What Happened To Austin Barnes? Fans React To Dodgers' Bold DFA Decision

Austin Barnes appeared in 13 games for the Dodgers in 2026.

May 15, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on May 15, 2026

Austin Barnes, a veteran catcher in his 11th season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been designated for assignment, leaving fans stunned.

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a bold designate their longtime catcher, Austin Barnes, for assignment on May 14, 2026, signaling a potential end to his nearly decade-long tenure with the club.

With the announcement of Austin Barnes’ designation, a spot on the 40-man roster is now cleared for promising catching prospect Dalton Rushing, who has been turning heads in Triple-A.

The Dodgers plan to designate Austin Barnes for assignment, per multiple reports.

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX)

Similarly, with many wondering what happened to Austin Barnes, and whether the Dodgers’ decision to designate him for assignment was due to personal or health issues, the team clarified that the move was based on his struggles to improve performance.

Austin Barnes, 34, has struggled to improve his performance in recent seasons.

Through limited action this year, he was hitting just .214 with 14 strikeouts and only a handful of extra-base hits.

While his defensive abilities and rapport with the pitching staff have long been praised, the Dodgers appear ready to pivot toward youth and offensive upside.

Under MLB rules, a player who is designated for assignment can be traded, released, or placed on waivers within seven days.

Given Barnes’ 10 years of Major League service time, he has the right to refuse a minor league assignment and elect free agency if he clears waivers.

MLB Fans Have Mixed Reactions To Dodgers’ Decision To DFA Austin Barnes

MLB fans are giving after the Los Angeles Dodgers designated veteran catcher Austin Barnes for assignment.

While some support the decision, pointing to Barnes’ ongoing offensive struggles and declining performance, others expressed disappointment, citing his leadership, clubhouse presence, and contributions during the team’s postseason runs.

Similarly, many longtime fans felt it was the end of an era, noting his role in the 2026 World Series win and his close relationship with key pitchers.

Austin Barnes will always hold a special place in Dodgers history

Not many players can say they spent 11 YEARS with the team

Thank you for everything, 2-time champion!

— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris)

One wrote:

“Nothing. Dodgers want to give him more rest during the regular season so he stays fresh for the postseason. They used to have him DH during games where they wanted to rest his legs, but Ohtani is now DH, so Smith can’t take that spot. My guess is that Rushing will catch more games to give Smith time off.”

Another jokingly added, “He got old, then slapped Chris Rock and accelerated his downfall.“

Likewise, one fan expressed his sadness, stating that the Dodgers’ decision to designate Austin Barnes hurts. In response, another said that although he is a veteran, he is terrible at everything, including his offensive and defensive skills.

Austin Barnes has been with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2015 and was a key contributor during their 2026 and 2026 World Series runs, winning the titles.

He also showcased his amazing sports skills playing for Arizona State Univeristy’s Sun Devils, leading his team in several victories.

Likewise, beginning his baseball journey from a very young age, Austin Barnes also excelled in Riverside Polytechnic High School’s baseball team and served as team captain in his senior year.

In addition to his high school career, Barnes played on travel teams and in a summer league, winning the American Amateur Baseball Congress Championship in 2017.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Austin Scott Barnes was born on December 28, 1989, in Riverside, California, United States, as the oldest of four to father Dennis and mother Stephanie Barnes.
  • His mother, Stephanie Barnes, is Mexican-American, and his maternal uncle, Mike Gallego, is a former MLB player for the Oakland Athletics.
  • Austin was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 2011 MLB draft and made his professional debut that season with the Class A Short Season Jamestown Jammers of the New York-Penn League.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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