On Thursday, the New York Mets open their season at Citi Field with an Opening Day clash against the Pittsburgh Pirates, wrapping up final roster decisions just before first pitch.
As part of those moves, the team released veteran catcher and two-time World Series champion Austin Barnes, who had been in camp on a minor league deal.
Barnes, 36, appeared in 13 games last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting .214, and his departure leaves Hayden Senger and Kevin Parada as the organization’s top minor league catching options.
Originally a ninth-round pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, Barnes spent his entire 11-year career with the Dodgers.
His best season came in 2017 when he hit .289 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs, and he played a role in back-to-back World Series title runs.
Across 612 career games, Barnes owns a .223 batting average with 35 home runs, 162 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases.
Despite his recent release, his experience and championship pedigree could still make him an appealing addition for teams in need of veteran depth behind the plate.
The Mets, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season but enter 2026 with a roster capable of contending.
After their opener against Pittsburgh, they’ll travel to face the St. Louis Cardinals beginning March 30.
