Giants Sign Veteran Dodgers Catcher Austin Barnes to Minor-League Deal

The San Francisco Giants have signed veteran catcher Austin Barnes to a minor league contract to bolster their organizational depth at the catcher position. Barnes, 35, spent 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers before being released in May after a slow start to the 2025 season. He was assigned to the Giants' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate as part of a ramp-up period before potentially moving to higher minor league levels, such as Triple-A Sacramento. The Giants are seeking to improve their catching depth, which has been thin in the upper minors, especially with injuries impacting players like Max Stassi and Sam Huff. Barnes provides experience behind the plate, though his offensive production has been modest throughout his career. The move also reflects new team president Buster Posey's understanding of the importance of catchers as the Giants aim to strengthen their lineup and maintain competitiveness in the NL West.