Dodgers Post Tribute Video to Austin Barnes Following Shocking DFA
The Los Angeles Dodgers posted a tribute video to Austin Barnes after the catcher was designated for assignment on Wednesday.
He made his major league debut in 2015 with the Dodgers and has been with the team ever since.
More news: Dodgers Designating Austin Barnes for Assignment to Call Up Dalton Rushing in Shocking Move
Barnes first made his way to Los Angeles as part of the December 2014 trade that sent Dee Gordon and Miguel Rojas to the Miami Marlins, among other pieces, and brought himself and Kiké Hernández to L.A., among others.
In a corresponding move to Barnes’ DFA, Dodgers top prospect Dalton Rushing has been called up. The young catcher has been hitting .308 in Triple-A this season and will bring his power to a Dodgers team that has been somewhat inconsistent at the plate lately.
Rushing will assume the role of Will Smith’s backup, one that Barnes has held for quite some time.
Barnes, 35, is a career .223 hitter over his 11 seasons with the Dodgers, and was in the midst of hitting .214 in 2025. In 42 at-bats this season, he had 14 strikeouts and a pair of RBIs.
The best statistical season the veteran catcher had was in 2017 with a .289/.408/.486 slash line, eight home runs, 38 RBIs, and an OPS of .895, all career highs.
Barnes was a pivotal piece of the 2020 World Series, hitting his second career October home run during Game 3 of the Fall Classic, helping to break a 1-1 series tie and to eventually clinch the Dodgers’ first title since 1988.
There were very few things and people that stayed consistent with the Dodgers over the last decade, but Barnes was one of the pillars of this organization. He will be missed as he moves onto the next chapter of his baseball life.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
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