Austin Barnes is a professional baseball player who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) since 2015. As a catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Barnes has established himself as a valuable player, known for his defensive skills and ability to manage a pitching staff.
In the MLB, free agency refers to the ability of players to negotiate with any team in the league once their current contract has ended.
This blog will examine whether Austin Barnes is a free agent, his current contract status, and what his future may hold in the MLB.
Austin Barnes’ Career Overview
Austin Barnes was born on December 28, 1989, in Riverside, California. He played high school baseball at Poly High School in Riverside, where he was a two-time All-League selection.
Barnes then went on to play college baseball at Arizona State University, where he played for three seasons.
Entering the Mlb
In 2011, the Florida Marlins selected Barnes in the ninth round of the MLB draft. Barnes spent four seasons in the Marlins minor league system before being traded to the Dodgers in 2014.
Performance in the Mlb
Barnes made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2015. He played in 20 games that season, hitting .207 with one home run and five RBIs. In 2016, Barnes played in 21 games, hitting .156 with two RBIs.
However, Barnes’ breakout year came in 2017 when he played in 102 games, hitting .289 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs. He also won the National League Championship Series (NLCS) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award that year, helping lead the Dodgers to the World Series.
Since then, Barnes has continued to be a valuable player for the Dodgers. While his offensive numbers have not always been impressive, he is highly regarded for his defensive skills and ability to manage a pitching staff.
In 2021, Barnes played in 83 games, hitting .219 with four home runs and 21 RBIs.
Barnes’ Contract Status
Barnes signed his first MLB contract with the Dodgers in 2015, which was a one-year deal worth $507,500. In 2018, Barnes signed a one-year deal worth $632,500.
He signed another one-year deal with the Dodgers in 2019, worth $1.1 million. In 2020, Barnes signed a one-year deal worth $1.1 million to avoid arbitration.
Information on Barnes’ Current Contract
Before the 2022 season, Barnes signed a new contract with the Dodgers worth $7 million. The length of the contract was not disclosed.
Barnes’ Value to His Team
While Barnes’ offensive numbers may not be the strongest, he is highly regarded for his defensive abilities and ability to manage a pitching staff.
This makes him a valuable asset to the Dodgers. Additionally, his contract is relatively low compared to other starting catchers in the league, making him a cost-effective option for the team.
Barnes’ Skills and Abilities
Barnes’ Skills as a Catcher
As a catcher, Barnes is responsible for managing the pitching staff, calling pitches, and making defensive plays.
Barnes is highly regarded for his ability to work with pitchers and adjust his game plan based on the opposing team’s strengths and weaknesses. He is also known for his ability to block pitches in the dirt and throw out baserunners attempting to steal.
Barnes’ Offensive Abilities
Barnes is not known for his offensive prowess, but he has shown the ability to get on base and move runners over when needed.
He has a career batting average of .234 with 18 home runs and 95 RBIs. While these numbers may not be impressive, Barnes’ ability to make contact and put the ball in play can be valuable in key situations.
Barnes’ Defensive Abilities
Barnes is highly regarded for his defensive abilities behind the plate. He has a career fielding percentage of .995 and has thrown out 32% of baserunners attempting to steal. He is also known for his ability to block pitches in the dirt and work with pitchers to call effective games.
His strong defensive abilities make him a valuable asset to the Dodgers and one of the top defensive catchers in the league.
Barnes’ Future
Possible Scenarios for Barnes’ Future
Barnes’ future could go in several different directions. He could continue to play for the Dodgers beyond his current contract, sign with another team as a free agent, or retire from professional baseball.
It is also possible that Barnes could be traded by the Dodgers before his current contract expires.
Barnes’ Potential as a Free Agent
If Barnes were to become a free agent, his value would likely be based on his defensive abilities and reputation as a skilled catcher. While his offensive numbers are not impressive, his defensive skills make him an attractive option for teams looking for a reliable catcher.
Potential Contract Offers for Barnes
Barnes’ current contract with the Dodgers is worth $7 million, which is relatively low compared to other starting catchers in the league. If he were to become a free agent, he could potentially command a higher salary based on his defensive abilities and reputation.
However, it is difficult to predict what kind of offers Barnes would receive on the open market. Factors such as team needs, market demand, and Barnes’ own preferences would all play a role in determining his future contract offers.
Austin Barnes’ Career Stats (2015-2021)
| Year | Team | Games Played | Plate Appearances | Hits | Home Runs | RBI | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | LAD | 20 | 54 | 9 | 1 | 3 | .207 |
| 2016 | LAD | 21 | 56 | 9 | 1 | 5 | .156 |
| 2017 | LAD | 102 | 218 | 49 | 8 | 38 | .289 |
| 2018 | LAD | 102 | 195 | 39 | 4 | 14 | .205 |
| 2019 | LAD | 75 | 170 | 34 | 5 | 25 | .203 |
| 2020 | LAD | 29 | 88 | 17 | 1 | 9 | .244 |
| 2021 | LAD | 85 | 256 | 50 | 7 | 23 | .219 |
Note: Data as of the end of the 2021 MLB season. Austin Barnes’ career stats are displayed, including the team he played for, games played, plate appearances, hits, home runs, RBI, and batting average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Austin Barnes been in the MLB?
Austin Barnes made his debut in the MLB in 2015 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What is Austin Barnes’ batting average?
As of the end of the 2021 season, Austin Barnes has a career batting average of .234.
Has Austin Barnes won any awards?
Barnes has not won any major awards during his career, but he was a member of the Dodgers team that won the World Series in 2020.
How does Austin Barnes’ salary compare to other catchers in the league?
Barnes’ salary of $7 million is relatively low compared to other starting catchers in the league. The highest-paid catcher in the MLB is currently J.T. Realmuto of the Philadelphia Phillies, who signed a five-year, $115.5 million contract in 2021.
Is Austin Barnes known for any specific defensive plays?
While Barnes is known for his overall defensive abilities as a catcher, he is perhaps most famous for his role in a critical defensive play during Game 4 of the 2018 World Series. Barnes tagged out a runner at the plate to help the Dodgers secure a 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
To Recap
Austin Barnes is currently under contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $7 million, making him a valuable and cost-effective option for the team.
Barnes’ strengths as a catcher lie primarily in his defensive abilities, as he is highly regarded for his ability to manage a pitching staff, block pitches in the dirt, and throw out baserunners attempting to steal.
While his offensive numbers may not be impressive, his ability to make contact and put the ball in play can be valuable in key situations.
Looking ahead, Barnes’ future could take several different paths, including continuing to play for the Dodgers, signing with another team as a free agent, or retiring from professional baseball.
Whatever his future holds, Barnes’ reputation as a skilled defensive catcher will continue to make him an asset to any team he plays for.
