RADIO
Austin Barnes Is A Catcher Sleeper
7 years agoAustin Barnes pushed regular catcher Yasmani Grandal out of his starting spot in the post-season. That shows exactly what Dave Roberts sees in him and the results are hard to deny. All Barnes did once he was called up in September was hit. In 262 PA, he provided 2.5 WAR with an .408 OBP, four steals and an eye-popping 142 wRC+…as a catcher! He also provides positional flexibility by having 2B eligibility. If he continues to hit like last year, the Dodgers will play him as much as they can. Barnes makes an excellent late-round draft pick in the catcher position and could be gold if he’s your second catcher in two-catcher leagues. Dynasty players should also be targeting him as he will likely stay on this championship-caliber team until Keibert Ruiz replaces him two or three seasons from now.
