Former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes became the third former Dodger to sign with the New York Mets this offseason alongside Luis Garcia and Craig Kimbrel .
Barnes and Kimbrel both signed minor league deals with the Mets, while Garcia signed a major league deal worth $1.75 for a year of service.
Barnes has only ever played for the Dodgers in MLB, making his first appearance for the club in 2015 with his final appearance coming in 2025.
L.A. designated Barnes for assignment May 14, 2025, and released him a week later. He spent the remainder of the season with the San Francisco Giants , but stayed in Triple-A.
With the Dodgers, Barnes hit 35 homers and tallied 162 RBIs while maintaining a .662 OPS.
Apr 9, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) talks with home plate umpire Lance Barrett (16) after Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes (15) was ejected from the game during the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Kimbrel had a brief stay with the Dodgers, making 63 appearances and functioning as the team's closer in 2022. The Dodgers traded for the right-hander at the beginning of the season for outfielder A.J. Pollock .
He recorded 22 saves and had a 3.75 ERA through 60 innings pitched, and struck out 72 batters. He entered free agency after the season and signed with the Phillies , for whom he made his last All-Star appearance.
The Dodgers signed Garcia ahead of spring training in 2025, and he made the Opening Day roster.
The right-hander played an important role in the beginning of the season during the Dodgers' injury crisis, but found himself on the injured list as well at the beginning of June. After he returned, the Dodgers designated him for assignment and he joined the Washington Nationals .
He made 28 appearances for the Dodgers, posting a 5.27 ERA through 27.1 innings pitched.
The veteran had a solid season after the Dodgers dropped him, posting a 0.90 ERA in 10 appearances for the Nationals and a 2.00 ERA in 20 games for the Los Angeles Angels after relocating at the trade deadline.
The Mets have gone all out during the offseason, bolstering their depth and minor league system with major league talent, and are sure to be gunning for the Dodgers. The Dodgers, though, have also improved during the offseason, and will be looking to win their third consecutive World Series.
