Dodgers Make Decision on Austin Barnes’ Future With LA

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series on Wednesday. By Saturday, the Dodgers are already making offseason moves. The team has exercised their $3.5 million club option on catcher Austin Barnes, according to Robert Murray.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have exercised their $3.5 million club option on catcher Austin Barnes, according to a source familiar with the situation.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 2, 2024

This will be the catcher’s 11th season with the Dodgers. Following the 2024 Fall Classic victory, Barnes became a two-time World Series champion.

Barnes had the opportunity to celebrate his first World Series parade on Friday since the Dodgers couldn’t celebrate in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In 2020, we didn’t get to do this,” Barnes told SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson ahead of the parade. “I think that’s something that everybody is looking forward to. Nobody knows what to expect, just know it’s going to be awesome. It’s going to be a great day.”

The argument could be made that Nov. 1, 2024 will go down as one of the greatest days in Dodgers history. The World Series parade in Downtown Los Angeles was an unforgettable moment for players and fans.

Bringing Barnes back for the 2025 season is the first of many decision the Dodgers will have to make this offseason.

Only Steve Yeager, Mike Scioscia, Otto Miller, and John Roseboro have spent 11 seasons behind the plate for the Dodgers. Barnes joins a special group of former Dodgers.

Miguel Rojas, Clayton Kershaw, and Barnes are all facing contract option for the 2025 season. Barnes and Rojas both have team options, while Kershaw’s is a player decision.

After Kershaw confirmed he wouldn’t be retiring after the 2024 season, there was speculation that Barnes would also return to the Dodgers since he is the veteran southpaw’s personal catcher.

Barnes will likely continue to play a backup role to Will Smith. The 2024 season was a year abundant with injuries, especially for the veteran catcher who dealt with multiple fractures in his left big toe.

Barnes appeared in one postseason game as he came off the bench in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series after Smith was hit in the left hand.

The Dodgers will also have to make decisions on players who are becoming free agents including, Walker Buehler, Jack Flaherty, Kiké Hernández, and Teoscar Hernández.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

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