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LA Adds 2-Time Gold-Glove Catcher on Minor League Deal

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Dodgers
By Lucas Gordon | Last updated 8/30/23

As waiver wire madness is hitting the MLB, the Dodgers are finding ways to add onto their depth heading into the postseason.

The team signed major league veteran Tucker Barnhart to a minor league deal after the catcher was released by the Cubs last week.

Barnhart will report to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but is eligible to be on the postseason roster for Los Angeles.

Currently the Dodgers have two catchers on the roster with Will Smith and Austin Barnes.

While both catchers have been solid defensively, Barnes has had his struggles at the plate this season.

In 47 games this year, Barnes is hitting .165 with only one home run and eight RBIs.

Having Barnhart in the system could give the Dodgers a little bit more offense at the catcher position when Smith doesn't play or is the designated hitter.

Although his numbers are not much better than Barnes, Barnhart has been able to get on base a little bit more than Barnes with a .285 OBP.

Barnhart has also been able to make more contact with the ball, as his batting average is 60 points higher and OPS is nearly 100 points higher than Barnes.

The Dodgers don't have to worry about Barnhart's defense when he's in the lineup. In his career, Barnhart is a two-time Gold Glove winner and has a .997 fielding percentage for his career.

This move is good for the Dodgers as the team now has more options for depth when it's time for October.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Dodgers and was syndicated with permission.

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