Jul 9, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Tucker Barnhart (18) chases a foul pop up in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports

Tucker Barnhart Signing Minor League Contract With Diamondbacks

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Blake Williams | Last updated 1/4/24

Late last August, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed veteran catcher Tucker Barhnahrt to a Minor League deal, providing the organization with some depth amid struggles at Double-A for Diego Cartaya, who was the third catcher on the 40-man roster at the time.

The move was mainly to provide the Dodgers with insurance in the event Will Smith or Austin Barnes were to miss time late in the season, and he was eligible for the postseason as well. Although Barnhart did not provide much upside with his bat, he is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner.

Barnhart never made his way onto the Dodgers roster, instead spending the rest of the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Following the season, Barnahrt elected free agency.

Now, the backstop has signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a Minor League deal, according to Robert Murray of FanSided:

Source: Free-agent catcher Tucker Barnhart is signing a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that includes an invite to spring training.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 3, 2024

Prior to joining the Dodgers, Barnhart was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on August 19. They then released Barnhart two days later, making him a free agent who could sign with any team.

The Cubs signed Barnhart to a two-year, $6.5 million contract in December 2022 and his deal included a $3.25 million player option for the 2024 season.

The 32-year-old struggled in his first season with the Cubs, batting .202/.285/.257 with three doubles, one home run and nine RBI over 44 games.

Barnhart was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 10th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. Barnhart made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2014 and played in parts of eight seasons with the team. He then spent all of 2022 with the Detroit Tigers prior to signing with the Cubs that winter.

He is a career .243/.319/.356 hitter with 53 home runs across 881 games played.

Diamondbacks hoping to sign J.D. Martinez

With Shohei Ohtani now the Dodgers every day designated hitter, J.D. Martinez now is considered unlikely to re-sign with the club. As the Diamondbacks search for offensive upgrades, they are reportedly hopeful for a reunion with the slugger.

Martinez previously played for the Diamondbacks during the 2017 season. He hit three home runs at Dodger Stadium in Game 1 of the NL Division Series that year.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

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