In a move that has stirred interest across the National League West, the San Francisco Giants have signed veteran catcher Austin Barnes to a minor league contract, marking a notable shift for the player who spent 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Barnes, who was released by the Dodgers in May 2025 after a lengthy tenure marked by two World Series titles and four National League pennants, now finds himself with a division rival as the Giants seek to bolster their catching depth and push for the NL West crown.
The signing was officially completed on Friday, June 27, 2025, with Barnes assigned to the Giants’ Arizona Complex League affiliate by Sunday, June 29. This assignment is part of a development period to help Barnes ramp back up to baseball activities after a month as a free agent. The Giants envision Barnes eventually moving up to higher-level affiliates, potentially joining their Triple-A Sacramento team before a call-up to the major league roster. This move comes amid ongoing struggles by the Giants’ current catchers, Patrick Bailey and Andrew Knizner, who have both faced offensive challenges this season.
Barnes’ departure from the Dodgers was a significant moment for the franchise. The 32-year-old catcher was the longest-tenured position player on the Dodgers’ roster until his designation for assignment in mid-May 2025. This decision coincided with the promotion of top prospect Dalton Rushing, who quickly assumed the backup catcher role behind Will Smith, the National League’s leading catcher in batting average (.319) and on-base percentage (.415) this season. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reflected on the difficult choice, stating, “Barnesy and C.T. have been in the middle of some huge moments for this organization. Both guys have left an indelible mark on our culture and where we’re at at this point. So the decisions were incredibly difficult.”
Statistically, Barnes’ 2025 season with the Dodgers was underwhelming. In 13 appearances, he posted a .214 batting average with a .233 on-base percentage and a .286 slugging percentage, accumulating two RBIs and striking out 14 times in 42 at-bats. Despite these numbers, Barnes’ defensive skills have long been his hallmark. Known as a strong blocker, pitch framer, and pitcher handler, Barnes unofficially served as Clayton Kershaw’s personal catcher for years, a role that underscored his value beyond the batter’s box.
For the Giants, the addition of Barnes is as much about veteran presence and defensive reliability as it is about potential offensive contributions. San Francisco’s catching corps has struggled offensively this season, with Bailey and Knizner failing to provide consistent production. The Giants’ president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, himself a former elite catcher, likely sees Barnes as a valuable mentor and stabilizing figure behind the plate. If Barnes earns a spot on the active roster, he could be working with a formidable pitching staff featuring future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, ace Logan Webb, and former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray.
Financially, the signing is low-risk for the Giants. Should Barnes make the major league roster, San Francisco would owe him only the prorated portion of the MLB minimum salary, while the Dodgers continue to cover the remainder of his $3.5 million salary for the 2025 season. This arrangement makes Barnes an attractive option for the Giants as they look to strengthen their roster without significant financial burden.
The timing of Barnes’ arrival adds an intriguing subplot to the fierce Dodgers-Giants rivalry. The two teams face off 10 more times in the 2025 season, including key series at Oracle Park from July 11-12 and September 12-14, and a four-game set at Dodger Stadium from September 18-21. While Barnes is currently in the minors, the possibility of him suiting up against his former team adds an extra layer of drama to these encounters. For Barnes, these matchups could represent a final shot at postseason contention, a stage he’s familiar with from his championship runs with the Dodgers.
Looking back, Barnes’ career with the Dodgers was marked by memorable moments. During the 2020 World Series, he delivered a remarkable postseason performance with a slash line of .390/.393/.443 and an .830 OPS in 29 at-bats, playing a key role in one of the most memorable championship runs in recent history. His contributions over 11 seasons included 63 doubles, 35 home runs, and 162 RBIs, alongside his defensive prowess.
Despite a decline in offensive production in recent years, Barnes’ experience and knowledge of the game remain valuable assets. His transition to the Giants could provide the team with much-needed depth and leadership behind the plate as they navigate the challenges of a competitive NL West race.
As Barnes begins his journey with the Giants, all eyes will be on how quickly he can adjust to his new environment and whether he can recapture the form that made him a trusted figure in the Dodgers clubhouse. For the Giants, this signing symbolizes a strategic move to address a critical position while adding a player familiar with the pressures of postseason play.
The Giants’ upcoming game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 30, 2025, at Chase Field, starting at 9:40 PM, will be an early opportunity to assess the team’s form as Barnes continues his development. Whether he will be called up in time to impact the Giants’ season remains to be seen, but the organization’s faith in his abilities is clear.
In the ever-intense rivalry between the Giants and Dodgers, Austin Barnes’ move northward introduces a compelling narrative of loyalty, competition, and the pursuit of baseball glory. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Barnes’ veteran presence can help tip the scales in San Francisco’s favor.
