Despite regressing and struggling through much of the 2018 season, Austin Barnes returned this year as the starting catcher. The Los Angeles Dodgers had reunited with Russell Martin via a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, but the veteran was slated to fill a backup role.
Barnes was optimistic an offseason of work that aimed at refining his mechanics would lend to improved results at the plate. However, he continued to scuffle and ultimately was demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Nevertheless, Barnes was re-signed to a one-year contract earlier this month and avoided arbitration. The signing came ahead of the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players.