The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a savvy roster move.
According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the former Gold Glove winner Tucker Barnhart has been signed by the defending National League Champions to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. Barnhart, a veteran catcher, has been given a non-roster invite (NRI), an opportunity for a player not listed on a club’s 40-man roster to attend Major League camp in Spring Training and compete for a roster spot.
Source: Free-agent catcher Tucker Barnhart is signing a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that includes an invite to spring training.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 3, 2024
Barnhart, who signed a two-year deal with the Cubs last December, hit just .202 with one home run in 123 plate appearances for Chicago before being designated for assignment. Barnhart signed a non-roster deal with the Dodgers for the end of the season. He played in seven Triple-A games but did not make it to the big leagues.
Before joining the Cubs, Barnhart spent last season with the Detroit Tigers.
Before going to Detroit, he played the first seven seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Reds, where he found the most success he’s had in his career, winning two Gold Gloves (2017, 2020) and leading Major League Baseball catchers in 2017 when he threw out 32 runners.
Barnhart’s defensive skills are his calling card. He’s a two-time Gold Glove Award winner for his exceptional framing and ability to handle pitchers. His throwing arm is also above average, contributing to his high caught-stealing rate.
Barnhart has a .245 career batting average with 53 home runs, 286 RBIs, and a .674 OPS.. While not known for his hitting prowess, Barnhart has respectable on-base (.319) and slugging percentages (.356) for his career, indicating his ability to get on base and hit some extra bases.
