Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Former Gold Glove Winner For Stretch Drive

The Los Angeles Dodgers have added to their depth at catcher, by bringing in former two-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Tucker Barnhart for the balance of the season. 

Source: Free-agent catcher Tucker Barnhart and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a minor-league contract.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 30, 2023

It's a minor league deal, but it would be surprising if he wasn't with the big club in short order. The Dodgers' current backup backstop, Austin Barnes, has been one of the worst offensive players in baseball this season, with a .165 average, a .444 OPS and an OPS+ of an embarrassing 22. That's 78% worse than the average hitter. 

Barnhart himself is coming off a rough two-year run in which he's batted not much above the Mendoza line. But he's been serviceable in the past, particular during his 8-year stretch with the Cincinnati Reds that saw him earn two Gold Gloves for catching excellence. 

He's still just 32 and could bounce back in the right surroundings. 

Rosters will expand to 28 on Friday, so it's possible that Barnhart could get the call-up then.  

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports