The New York Mets have gone out and signed a former Dodgers catcher, as two-time World Series champion Austin Barnes has agreed to a minor league deal with the team. He has also received an invite to spring training.
Former Dodgers World Champion Austin Barnes Signs With The Mets
Barnes, who is a career Dodger, is a solid depth piece for the Mets. If he has a good showing for them in spring training, then he may have a shot at making the roster. Of course, he would be behind Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens in the pecking order. But it never hurts to have too much depth, especially in this case, with an experienced catcher who has World Series success. In 2020, Barnes played in 10 postseason games and hit .320, with one homer and three RBI. This could be a solid, low-risk signing for the Mets.
Mets sign longtime Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes to a Minor League contract pic.twitter.com/PFJXF68Y1d
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) January 29, 2026
Mets Had Interest in Brewers Relievers Before Acquiring Peralta
The Mets seemed to have some interest in two other Milwaukee Brewers pitchers before they acquired Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers. New York was also in on Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. It seems as though the Mets are set with where they are at, bullpen-wise.
Megill and Uribe would have been solid additions to the bullpen, though. Uribe had one heck of a 2025 season. With numbers like a 1.67 ERA in 75 games pitched with the Brewers, as well as 90 Ks through 75 1/3 innings. Megill was able to earn his first All-Star nod in 2025. He pitched to a 6-3 record with a 2.49 ERA in 47 innings pitched. Either of these guys would have been a big help to this Mets bullpen.
Mets Remain Interested in Framber Valdez
The Mets still have interest in Framber Valdez even after the Brewers trade. Valdez, who is still a free agent, could be a solid piece to this already improved Mets rotation. In 2025, Valdez had himself a solid season. He pitched to a 13-11 record with a 3.66 ERA in 192 innings while also striking out 187 batters. He would be an impressive get for their already bolstered rotation.
Are The Mets Done Making Moves?
It remains to be seen if the Mets are done making moves or not. While there may not be any huge deals done, some depth deals here or there could be where they stay the rest of the way. Still, it will be interesting to see if they keep the ball rolling this offseason or if they are set with their roster going forward.
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