The Texas Rangers moved on from a guy who has spent a dozen seasons in the big leagues.
They had already made the decision that sent things this way, with a designated for assignment choice involving Tucker Barnhart over the weekend.
Barnhart passed through waivers unclaimed, and he’s elected to take free agency rather than report to Triple-A.
Now 34 years old, Barnhart signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers this offseason.
Barnhart has appeared in eight MLB games this season, putting up a small-sample size average of .231.
Overall, Barnhart has 924 games of major league experience.
He’s a career .241 hitter known more for his defense.
Barnhart spent the first eight years of his MLB career with the Reds. He had his only two double-digit homer seasons in Cincinnati.
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After leaving the Reds, Barnhart spent a year each with the Tigers, the Cubs and the Diamondbacks.
And now, the Rangers, with whom Barnhart’s tenure has been cut quite prematurely.
Texas is healthy at catcher, which didn’t help Barnhart’s chances of getting called up. Right now, it’s Jonah Heim and Kyle Higashioka that form the Rangers’ pairing behind the dish. Barnhart was surplus.
Barnhart opting for free agency does suggest he might have a contract elsewhere at least somewhat lined up. We’ll just have to wait and see.
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