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Austin Barnes, a 36-year-old catcher with 11 years of major league experience and two World Series rings from his time with the Dodgers, is hoping to extend his career by making the Mets roster this spring. Barnes was released by the Dodgers last May and later signed with the Giants, but was released again after about a month in their minor league system. Now he’s signed a minor league deal with the Mets, who have Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens as their top two catchers. Barnes says he still feels he has some baseball left in him and wants to be part of something special with the Mets, who he believes have a talented roster capable of contending.
Why it matters
Barnes brings a wealth of experience and championship pedigree to the Mets, who are looking to build off a strong 2025 season and make a deep playoff run. His veteran presence could be valuable for the team’s younger catchers, and he’s hoping to prove he can still contribute at the major league level.
The details
After 11 seasons in the majors and two World Series titles with the Dodgers, Barnes’ time with Los Angeles ended last May when he was released. He then signed with the Giants and spent about a month in their minor league system before being released again. Now he’s hoping to earn a spot on the Mets’ roster, even though they have Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens as their top two catchers. Barnes says he still feels he has something left to give and wants to be part of a Mets team that he believes has the talent to do something special this season.
Barnes was released by the Dodgers in May 2025.He signed with the Giants in June 2025 and spent about a month in their minor league system.Barnes signed a minor league deal with the Mets in January 2026.
The players
Austin Barnes
A 36-year-old catcher with 11 years of major league experience and two World Series rings from his time with the Dodgers.
Francisco Alvarez
The Mets’ top catcher.
Luis Torrens
The Mets’ solid backup catcher.
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What they’re saying
“I just want to play baseball. I’m gonna go out there and see what happens. I think I still have some ball left in me, so I just want to keep going.”
— Austin Barnes
“This is a really good group. They’ve got a chance to do something special.”
— Austin Barnes
“He’s very intelligent with knowing pitchers and running a team, really. He’s been doing it so long. He knows how to approach at-bats [as a catcher] and that you have to know a pitcher’s strength for a Plan A, but that you always have to have a Plan B and C to navigate big league hitters. It’s great having him around.”
— Hayden Senger
What’s next
Barnes will look to continue impressing the Mets coaching staff over the final week of spring training as he tries to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The takeaway
Despite his age and recent struggles to latch on with a team, Barnes’ wealth of experience and championship pedigree make him a valuable veteran presence for the Mets, who are hoping to build off a strong 2025 season and make a deep playoff run.