Austin Barnes, the former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher, has signed a minor league contract with their arch-rivals, the San Francisco Giants. This unexpected move, which was finalized on Sunday, has set off alarm bells in the National League West and raises the possibility of on-field “revenge” for the veteran ballplayer.
The 35-year-old was designated for assignment by the Dodgers in May this year, a difficult decision that ended his long stay with the organization, as he was the longest-serving position player on the team. His departure came in the context of an offensive decline, posting a .518 OPS in 44 plate appearances this season with the Dodgers.
Barnes’ decision to join the Giants, their arch-rivals, has been interpreted by some as a choice driven by the desire for revenge. If he manages to climb to the Major League roster, Barnes could face his former team in crucial series, including a four-game series at Dodger Stadium from September 18-21.
The Giants’ strategy
For the Giants, acquiring Barnes is a shrewd, low-cost move. The team would only pay part of the MLB minimum salary if Barnes makes the major league team, while the Dodgers will continue to pay the rest of his $3.5 million salary for the 2025 season.
The Giants are looking to capitalize on Barnes’ experience, especially his solid defense behind the plate and his ability to handle pitchers, qualities that made him Clayton Kershaw’s “personal catcher” for years and motivate him to be able to seek his “revenge.”
A “costly” move for the Dodgers
This move could prove “costly” for the Dodgers not only in emotional terms, seeing a veteran and familiar figure with the archrival, but also in tactical terms. Barnes, with his decade of experience with the team, has an intimate knowledge of the pitchers, hitters’ tendencies and the team’s internal strategies
By joining the Giants, this valuable information could be shared with San Francisco’s coaching staff and players, giving them an unexpected edge in future head-to-head matchups between the two teams, which ultimately decide the division and have postseason implications.
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