The D-backs have released veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart after designating him for assignment last week, according to the team’s transaction log on MLB.com. He is now a free agent.
Barnhart, 33, signed a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks in January. He is technically in the second season of a two-year, $6.5 million contract he signed with the Cubs during the 2022-23 offseason. The Cubs released him from that contract last August after he posted a .202/.285/.257 batting line in 123 plate appearances. The Dodgers quickly signed him to a minor league deal, but he did not appear in the majors before the season ended.
Barnhart’s time in Arizona was similarly unproductive. In 96 plate appearances, he hit .173/.287/.210. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Jose Herrera impressed in Triple-A Reno, batting .260/.351/.362, prompting the D-backs to choose Herrera as the backup catcher to Gabriel Moreno.
Barnhart was a regular for the Reds from 2015-21 and was once considered one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, winning two Gold Gloves. However, his offensive performance has declined significantly. While he hit .249/.327/.380 with the Reds, his batting line has dropped to .208/.286/.255 in 527 plate appearances with the Tigers, Cubs, and D-backs since leaving Cincinnati.
Any team in need of catching depth can now sign Barnhart with minimal risk, as he would only be owed the prorated league minimum for any time spent on a new team’s major league roster or injured list. The Cubs are responsible for the remainder of his $3.25 million salary for this year.
