Just as the winter meetings were getting started, we reported that the Diamondbacks had an interest in free-agent catcher Tucker Barnhart. A large part of that interest in this particular catcher may be tied to his work in 2022 with Eduardo Rodriguez, who the D-backs have reportedly signed to a four-year contract with a vesting option for a fifth year.
Rodriguez and Barnhart played together on the 2022 Tigers. Rodriguez made 17 starts in a season interrupted by personal issues. 14 of those starts came with Barnhart behind the plate, with the other three going to Eric Haase. The difference could not have been more stark.
Working with Barnhart, Rodriguez had a 3.65 ERA and a batting against slash line of .226/.305/.380, .685 OPS. In the three starts with Haase, he had a 5.82 ERA and a .329/.364/.493, .857 OPS batting against line. It's possible that track record of success between Barnhart and Rodriguez is one factor that caused the D-backs to look into Barnhart.
Another possible factor beyond the stats is the relationship between the two players. Back in 2022 when Rodriguez missed time with the Tigers due to personal family issues, Barnhart was very supportive of his battery mate. Upon returning to the team, Rodriguez stood up in front of his teammates to explain his situation open and honestly. Speaking about it at the time, Barnhart said "I think it's something that [saying], 'Hey man, sorry, I had some stuff to deal with, with my family,' that would be more than enough for me.”
Clearly creating a high comfort level for Rodriguez in Arizona was a priority in discussions that happened this week during the winter meetings in Nashville. Once the Rodriguez' physical is complete and the contract is finalized, it would not be a surprise then to see Barnhart follow suit and sign with the D-backs to be Gabriel Moreno's primary back up and perhaps Rodriguez' personal catcher.
Stay tuned to Inside the Diamondbacks for further off-season news, developments and analysis.
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