A New Chapter Begins: Tucker Barnhart Finds a Home with the Arizona Diamondbacks

In a surprising turn of events, veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart has found a new team, signing a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The news was reported by Robert Murray of FanSided, marking a fresh start for the backstop.

Barnhart’s journey to the Diamondbacks began last August when the Los Angeles Dodgers inked him to a Minor League contract. The move was aimed at bolstering the Dodgers’ catching depth, especially with Diego Cartaya facing struggles at Double-A. While Barnhart’s offensive contributions were limited, his defensive prowess, as a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, added valuable insurance for the Dodgers.

However, Barnhart never made it to the Dodgers’ roster and finished the season with their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Following the conclusion of the season, he opted for free agency, paving the way for his latest endeavor.

Prior to his short stint with the Dodgers, Barnhart faced a similar situation with the Chicago Cubs. After being designated for assignment in August, he was released two days later, making him available to sign with any team. The Cubs had signed Barnhart to a two-year, $6.5 million contract in December 2022, which included a player option for the 2024 season.

During his time with the Cubs, Barnhart struggled at the plate, batting.202/.285/.257 with minimal extra-base hits and RBI in 44 games. However, his defensive abilities and experience behind the plate remain his notable strengths.

Barnhart’s professional career began when he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 10th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2014 and spent eight seasons with the team before joining the Detroit Tigers in 2022. The following winter, he signed with the Cubs before ultimately finding a new home with the Diamondbacks.

In a separate development, the Diamondbacks are reportedly eyeing a reunion with slugger J.D. Martinez. With Shohei Ohtani assuming the everyday designated hitter role for the Dodgers, Martinez’s chances of re-signing with the team have diminished. As the Diamondbacks search for offensive upgrades, they are hopeful for the return of Martinez, who previously played for them during the 2017 season, leaving a lasting impression with a memorable three-home-run performance at Dodger Stadium during the NL Division Series.