Call this a surprise. The Dodgers are adding top prospect Dalton Rushing to the roster, and they’ll move on from their long-time backup backstop in Barnes to make room on the roster. The 35-year-old will likely see interest on the waiver wire, but it’s not hard to imagine him staying in the organization as depth if he does go unclaimed. Will Smith will receive the bulk of starts behind the plate, but this clears a spot for Rushing to make a start or two behind the plate while also playing in the outfield.

A no-brainer of sorts, even with the Dodgers having some young talent at the catching position in the minors that could help in 2025. Barnes got on at a .331 clip, and while there’s no power in his bat as seen in one total homer and a .307 slugging mark, his work with the pitching staff is well worth that contract and then some as the backup to Will Smith.

Barnes was placed on the injured list with a fractured toe 10 days ago. Now he’s back as the backup catcher with Hunter Feduccia optioned to the minors to make room on the active roster.

Barnes has a whole new fracture in the same toe he fractured last month. The Dodgers are hopeful he’ll be able to return for the postseason, but Hunter Feduccia will likely finish out this month as Will Smith’s backup.