Last week, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed two-time Gold Glove Award winner Tucker Barnhart to a minor league contract, which also includes an invite to spring training next month.
Barnhart, who recently turned 33 years old, was DFA’d by the Cubs earlier this offseason. His playing time took a major dive in 2023, serving as Chicago’s secondary catcher behind Yan Gomes.
Before joining the Cubs, Tucker spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Reds. While with the Reds, he earned two Gold Glove Awards and maintained a consistent .250 batting average, considered above average for today’s catchers.
After parting ways with veteran catcher Carson Kelly in August, the Diamondbacks found themselves a bit shorthanded behind the plate. This shortage became evident in the postseason when Jose Herrera, a rookie at the time, was thrust into critical situations due to multiple instances where Gabriel Moreno had to exit with an injury.
Considering the average age of the two Diamondbacks catchers is 24, bringing in a veteran makes perfect sense.
Barnhart will have an opportunity to prove himself shortly, with spring training commencing on February 25th for the Diamondbacks.
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