Austin Barnes, a seasoned veteran with an impressive baseball pedigree, recently found himself at a crossroads with the New York Mets. After 11 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he contributed to their World Series triumphs in 2020 and 2024, Barnes was released last May. A brief stint with the San Francisco Giants didn't lead to a major league return, prompting him to sign a minor-league deal with the Mets in January, which included an invite to spring training.
Despite his wealth of experience, Barnes didn't make the Mets' opening day roster. At 36, he was released on Sunday after appearing in just eight spring training games, where he posted a solid 5-for-16 with three doubles.
However, displacing Luis Torrens as the primary backup to starter Francisco Alvarez was always going to be a tough task. The Mets, with their deep catching lineup, weren't in a position to carry three catchers.
Barnes had expressed uncertainty about playing in the minors if he didn't make the roster, leaving several options open. He might re-sign with the Mets and head to Triple-A, explore opportunities with other teams, or even consider retirement after a career many aspire to emulate.
The Mets are well-equipped in the catching department, boasting Alvarez and Torrens, who collectively achieved a 3.3 bWAR last season, along with 28-year-old Hayden Senger on the 40-man roster.
With 612 major league games, a World Series home run, and countless memories, Barnes' future remains a topic of interest. Whether he adds more chapters to his storied career or steps away from the field, his legacy is already well-established.