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Tucker Barnhart

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Tucker Barnhart
Barnhart with the Cincinnati Reds in 2016
Catcher
Born: (1991-01-07) January 7, 1991 (age 34)
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 3, 2014, for the Cincinnati Reds
Last MLB appearance
May 30, 2025, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
Batting average.241
Home runs53
Runs batted in292
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Tucker Jackson Barnhart (born January 7, 1991) is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Texas Rangers. Barnhart made his MLB debut in 2014 and won the Gold Glove Award in 2017 and 2020.

Early life

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Barnhart was born in Indianapolis, the son of Kevin and Pam Barnhart, and brother to Paige. When Tucker was 11, the family moved west of Indianapolis to Brownsburg, Indiana.[1] He attended Brownsburg High School and played for the school's baseball team.[2] As a junior in 2008, he hit .500 and was named to the Louisville Slugger High School All-American team.[3] In his senior year at Brownsburg, he was named "Mr. Baseball" for the state of Indiana.[4]

Prior to his senior season, Barnhart committed to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology on a baseball scholarship to play for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.[4][5]

Professional career

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Cincinnati Reds (2009–2021)

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Minor leagues

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Heading into the 2009 Major League Baseball draft, Baseball America rated Barnhart as the best available player from Indiana.[6] Due to his commitment to Georgia Tech, he fell to the 10th round, when he was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds with the 299th overall selection.[5][7] Barnhart opted to sign with the Reds, rather than enroll at Georgia Tech.[5]

Barnhart catching in 2017

In 2010, Barnhart played for the Billings Mustangs of the Rookie-level Pioneer League.[8] In 2011, he played for the Dayton Dragons of the Single–A Midwest League.[5] He spent the 2012 season with the Bakersfield Blaze of the High–A California League and Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Double–A Southern League. He played for Pensacola in 2013, and was named a Southern League All-Star.[9] The Reds added Barnhart to their 40-man roster on November 20, 2013.[10]

Major leagues

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With Devin Mesoraco beginning the 2014 season on the disabled list, Barnhart made the Reds' 2014 Opening Day roster, as a backup to Brayan Peña.[11][12] Barnhart made his major league debut on April 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Starting at catcher (with Homer Bailey the starting pitcher) and batting eighth, he went 0-for-4 with one strikeout.[13][14] Two days later, he got his first big-league hit, a single off New York Mets pitcher Dillon Gee; for the game, Barnhart went 2-for-4.[15]

Barnhart was optioned to the Louisville Bats of the Triple–A International League on April 7, when Mesoraco was activated.[16] He was later recalled by the Reds, and on May 1, he hit his first major league home run, a fifth-inning solo shot off the Milwaukee Brewers' Marco Estrada.[17][18] He was optioned back to Louisville on May 18.[19] On July 6, with Peña on the paternity list and also forced to play more at first base due to injuries, the Reds recalled Barnhart.[19] Barnhart was optioned back to Louisville on July 11.[19]

Due to injuries to Mesoraco, Barnhart started 67 games at catcher for the Reds in 2015 and 108 games in 2016.[20] On September 22, 2017, Barnhart signed a four-year contract extension with the Reds, worth $16 million, plus a $7.5 million club option for the 2022 season.[21] He led National League catchers in wins above replacement and caught stealing percentage. He also led the major leagues in runners caught stealing (32).[22] After the 2017 season, he won his first Gold Glove Award, the first by a Reds catcher since Johnny Bench's 10-year run from 1968-77.[23]

In June 2019, he suffered a moderate abdominal and oblique strain, and was placed on the injured list.[24] In late August 2019, he gave up switch hitting and became a left-handed hitter.[25]

In 2020 for the Reds, Barnhart played in 38 games, batting .204/.291/.388 with five home runs and 13 RBIs.[26] After the season, he was rewarded the Gold Glove Award for NL catchers, the second Gold Glove Award of his career.[27] On May 7, 2021, Barnhart caught Wade Miley's no-hitter.[28] He finished the 2021 season batting .247/.317/.368 with 7 home runs and 48 RBIs in 116 games.

Detroit Tigers (2022)

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Barnhart catching for the Detroit Tigers

On November 3, 2021, the Reds traded Barnhart to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Nick Quintana. On November 7, the Tigers exercised the $7.5 million option for Barnhart for the 2022 season.[29] Barnhart batted .221 with a .554 on-base plus slugging in 94 games for the Tigers in 2022.[30]

Chicago Cubs (2023)

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On December 29, 2022, Barnhart signed a two-year, major league contract worth $6.5 million with the Chicago Cubs.[31] In 44 games for the Cubs, he batted .202 with one home run and nine RBIs. On August 19, 2023, Barnhart was designated for assignment by Chicago.[32] He was released by the Cubs the next day.[33]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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On August 30, 2023, Barnhart signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[34] In seven games for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, he went 5–for–22 (.227) with no home runs and one RBI.[35] Barnhart elected free agency following the season on November 6.[36]

Arizona Diamondbacks

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On January 2, 2024, Barnhart signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[37] On March 25, the Diamondbacks select Barnhart's contract after he made the Opening Day roster as the backup catcher.[38] In 31 games for Arizona, he hit .173/.287/.210 with no home runs, six RBI, and one stolen base. Barnhart was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on July 2.[39] He was released by the organization on July 6.[40]

Cincinnati Reds (second stint)

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On August 6, 2024, Barnhart signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds organization.[41] In 21 games for the Triple–A Louisville Bats, he slashed .187/.247/.253 with no home runs and six RBI. Barnhart elected free agency following the season on November 4.[42]

Texas Rangers

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On December 14, 2024, Barnhart signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.[43] He began the 2025 season with the Triple-A Round Rock Express, hitting .246 with two home runs and 12 RBI over 20 games. On April 30, 2025, the Rangers selected Barnhart's contract, adding him to their active roster.[44] In eight appearances for Texas, he went 3-for-13 (.231) with one walk. Barnhart was designated for assignment on June 1.[45] He elected free agency after clearing waivers on June 3.[46] Barnhart re-signed with Texas on a minor league contract the following day.[47] On June 30, Barnhart announced his retirement from professional baseball.[48]

Personal life

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Barnhart and his wife, Sierra, married in November 2015.[49] They welcomed their first child, a son, in September 2017.[21] Their second son was born in 2020.[50]

Barnhart grew up just west of Indianapolis in the city of Brownsburg and now resides just northwest of Indianapolis. He is a childhood friend of Gordon Hayward and Drew Storen.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Cava, Pete (April 24, 2014). "Former Indiana Mr. Baseball Tucker Barnhart Living a Dream". Prep Baseball Report. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  2. ^ VanTryon, Matthew (January 3, 2017). "Drew Storen signs with Reds, reunites with Brownsburg teammate Tucker Barnhart". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  3. ^ "Tech Baseball Inks Seven Recruits to National Letters of Intent". Ramblin' Wreck. November 18, 2008. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Brownsburg catcher Tucker Barnhart is this year's Mr. Baseball". The Times 24–7. July 14, 2009. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e Mcclelland, Sean (May 16, 2011). "Reds see promise in 5-foot-8 Dragons catcher". Springfield News-Sun. Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  6. ^ Grimala, Mike (June 29, 2009). "Barnhart keeps working on big league dreams". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 23, 2017.
  7. ^ Dorsey, Patrick (August 1, 2009). "Barnhart is eager to play baseball but plays the waiting game instead". Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013.
  8. ^ "Tucker Barnhart Stats, Highlights, Bio". Billings Mustangs. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  9. ^ Burke, Kevin (January 2, 2013). "Three Blue Wahoos Named Southern League All-Stars". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved December 14, 2013.
  10. ^ Sheldon, Mark (November 20, 2013). "Reds add four, reach limit on 40-man roster". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  11. ^ Schmetzer, Mark (March 29, 2014). "Bell, Bernadina, Barnhart, Soto to break with Reds". MLB.com. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  12. ^ Ambrogi, Mark (March 31, 2014). "Brownsburg's Tucker Barnhart elated to be playing for Reds". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  13. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds Box Score, April 3, 2014". Baseball-Reference.com. April 3, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  14. ^ Rosecrans, C. Trent (April 2, 2014). "Tucker Barnhart scheduled to debut Thursday". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  15. ^ "Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets Box Score, April 5, 2014". Baseball-Reference.com. April 5, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  16. ^ "Reds activate Mesoraco, demote Barnhart". Fox News. Sports Network. April 7, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  17. ^ "Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds Box Score, May 1, 2014". Baseball-Reference.com. May 1, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  18. ^ Adair, Jimmi (May 18, 2014). "Tony Cingrani activated from disabled list, Tucker Barnhart sent down". Red Legs Review. Archived from the original on July 19, 2014.
  19. ^ a b c "Tucker Barnhart – Reds C – Fantasy Baseball". CBSSports.com. August 6, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  20. ^ Buchanan, Zach (September 22, 2017). "Cincinnati Reds, Tucker Barnhart agree on four-year extension". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  21. ^ a b Sheldon, Mark (September 22, 2017). "Reds sign Tucker Barnhart to 4-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  22. ^ "Major League Leaderboards » 2017 » All Positions » Fielding Statistics". FanGraphs Baseball. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  23. ^ Buchanan, Zach (November 7, 2017). "Cincinnati Reds' Tucker Barnhart is a Gold Glover". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  24. ^ Nightengale, Bobby (June 28, 2019). "Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart out until MLB All-Star break with oblique strain". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  25. ^ Sheldon, Mark (September 26, 2019). "Barnhart considers permanent switch at the plate". MLB.com. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  26. ^ Mancuso, Steve (February 5, 2021). "Did Tucker Barnhart flip the switch on his hitting in 2020?". Reds Content Plus. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  27. ^ Sheldon, Mark (November 3, 2020). "Tucker Barnhart wins 2020 Gold Glove Award". MLB.com. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  28. ^ Goldsmith, Charlie (May 8, 2021). "Tucker Barnhart played a key role in Wade Miley's Reds no-hitter". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  29. ^ Nightengale, Bobby (September 27, 2021). "Cincinnati Reds trade Tucker Barnhart to Detroit Tigers". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  30. ^ Mackey, Jason (December 7, 2022). "Analysis: With pitching help secured, Pirates' catching situation takes center stage". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  31. ^ "Cubs finalize 2-year deal with catcher Tucker Barnhart". Associated Press. December 29, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  32. ^ Taylor, Brett (August 19, 2023). "The Chicago Cubs Have Designated Catcher Tucker Barnhart for Assignment". Bleacher Nation. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  33. ^ Taylor, Brett (August 21, 2023). "Farewell, Tucker Barnhart". Bleacher Nation. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  34. ^ Adams, Steve (August 30, 2023). "Dodgers Sign Tucker Barnhart To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  35. ^ "Tucker Barnhart Minor & Fall League Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  36. ^ Cooper, J. J. (November 8, 2023). "2023 MiLB Free Agents". Baseball America. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  37. ^ Franco, Anthony (January 2, 2024). "D-Backs, Tucker Barnhart Agree To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  38. ^ McDonald, Darragh (March 25, 2024). "Diamondbacks Designate Peter Strzelecki For Assignment, Select Tucker Barnhart". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  39. ^ "Diamondbacks place LHP Jordan Montgomery (knee) on IL". ESPN.com. July 2, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  40. ^ Adams, Steve (July 8, 2024). "Diamondbacks Release Tucker Barnhart". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  41. ^ McDonald, Darragh (August 6, 2024). "Reds Sign Tucker Barnhart To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  42. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 6, 2024). "Minor League Free Agents 2024". Baseball America. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  43. ^ Polishuk, Mark (December 14, 2024). "Rangers Sign Tucker Barnhart To Minors Contract". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  44. ^ "Rangers select C Tucker Barnhart from Triple-A Round Rock, designate Dane Dunning for assignment" (Press release). Texas Rangers. April 30, 2025. Retrieved May 8, 2025 – via MLB.com.
  45. ^ "Adolis García sits again as Rangers seek 'mechanical changes'". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 1, 2025. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  46. ^ "Tucker Barnhart Elects Free Agency". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  47. ^ "Rangers Re-Sign Tucker Barnhart To Minor League Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
  48. ^ "Tucker Barnhart To Retire". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  49. ^ Sheldon, Mark (February 13, 2015). "Barnhart's proposal capped off his milestone year". MLB.com. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  50. ^ Fay, John (July 30, 2020). "2020 Cincinnati Reds: Tucker Barnhart kept up with the team during birth of son, Benson". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
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