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TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 16: Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is seen in the bottom of the ninth inning against Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome on March 16, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)
On Thursday, the New York Mets will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for their Opening Day matchup at Citi Field.
The Mets have been busy finalizing their roster ahead of the new season.
New York Mets Release 2-Time World Series Champion
GettyPORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Austin Barnes #55 of the New York Mets poses for a photo during the New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Before their first game, the Mets have now made the move to release Austin Barnes.
The veteran catcher is coming off a season where he batted .214 in 13 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com wrote: “The Mets released veteran catcher Austin Barnes, who had been in camp on a minor league deal. That leaves Hayden Senger and Kevin Parada as the organization’s top Minor League catching options.”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Barnes’ MLB Career
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 21: Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers gets a face full of seeds after a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium on July 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Barnes was picked in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB Draft.
He has spent all 11 seasons of his career playing for the Dodgers.
In 2017, Barnes batted .289 with eight home runs, 38 RBI’s, 35 runs and three stolen bases.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 05: Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs to first during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at at Citizens Bank Park on April 05, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Barnes helped the Dodgers win the World Series Championship in each of the previous two years.
Over 612 career games, the 36-year-old has batted .223 with 35 home runs, 162 RBI’s, 206 runs and 23 stolen bases.
With his experience, Barnes could be a valuable addition to many clubhouses around the league.
X user @thebs19 wrote: “So the point of a Barnes signing, since he wasn’t really competing with Torrens, would be so that in case on injury, which has happened a lot, we don’t have to turn to Hayden Senger and Kevin Parada. Don’t get this, at all. Rortvedt is not much better, but guess hope he clears.”
Mets Before Pirates Battle
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 07: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets in action during the game against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on April 07, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets won 2-0. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Mets are coming off a season where they missed the MLB playoffs.
That said, they have a roster that many believe could compete for a World Series berth in 2026.
Following the Pirates, the Mets will head on the road for a series with the St. Louis Cardinals on March 30.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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