Former Cubs Catcher Joins Diamondbacks

Two-time Gold Glove Award winner and former Chicago Cubs catcher Tucker Barnhart has found a new home.

Tuesday, the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to terms with Barnhart on a minor league contract for the 2024 Major League Baseball season.

Barnhart is owed $3.25 million by the Cubs in 2024.

Chicago inked the catcher to a two-year, $6.5 million contract last winter. He batted .202 with a .285 On Base Percentage, .541 OPS, one home run and nine RBI in 109 at bats and 43 games. He was designated for assignment on August 19.

Barnhart was effectively replaced by rookie Miguel Amaya in the middle of the season, while the Cubs saw exceptional production from their starting catcher Yan Gomes, who batted .462 in high leverage situations and .309 with men on base.

Amaya, 24, slashed .214/.329/.688 with five home runs and 18 RBI in 53 games during his first Major League season in 2023.

Barnhart's deal with the Diamondbacks reunites the veteran catcher with starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. Barnhart caught Rodriguez in Detroit, when the two were teammates on the Tigers in 2022. Last month, the defending National League champions signed Rodriguez to a four-year, $80 million contract.

Barnhart spent the first eight years of his Major League career with the Cincinnati Reds, where he slashed .248/.324/.696 and was celebrated for his defense and his ability to bring out the best in pitchers young and old.

Barnhart, entering his age 32 season, will have a chance to compete for a spot on Arizona's Opening Day roster at spring training, as a potential backup to Gabriel Moreno.