Dodgers Nation · Mar 23
Former Dodgers Fan Favorite Catcher Released by Mets
The New York Mets released former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes just before the beginning of the 2026 season.
Barnes signed a minor league deal with the Mets this offseason, looking for a chance to remain with a winning team in MLB after the Dodgers released him last season, but failed to make enough of an impact to remain with the team.
He had a solid spring for New York, posting a .889 OPS with two RBIs through eight games with the team, but the Mets already have plenty of help at catcher. On top of Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens, another former Dodgers catcher in Ben Rortvedt is also on the team after the Mets claimed him off waivers.