Tigers acquire catcher Tucker Barnhart from Reds in MLB offseason’s first trade

The Detroit Tigers have reached an settlement with the Cincinnati Reds to amass veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart, the groups introduced Wednesday. In return, the Reds will add infield prospect Nick Quintana to their farm system.

The Tigers will train the membership possibility in Barnhart’s contract that dictates that he’ll obtain $7.5 million subsequent season. In Barnhart, they’re getting an above-average defensive backstop who boasts some on-base chops in opposition to right-handed pitchers. Over the past three seasons, he is hit .246/.331/.399 when he is had the platoon benefit, versus .235/.318/.375 general.

The important thing for the Tigers is Barnhart’s protection. The 2-time Gold Glove winner represents a noticeable improve over Detroit’s incumbent choices behind the plate. Barnhart is an above-average framer who’s thought to be having a very good really feel for managing a pitching employees. That must make him an asset for the Tigers, who’ve a lot of younger arms of their rotation, together with former No. 1 choose Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Matt Manning.

If nothing else, it might make sense for supervisor AJ Hinch to platoon Barnhart with Eric Haase, a righty who hit surprisingly nicely (104 OPS+) in 2021.

The Tigers are anticipated to stay aggressive on the free-agent and commerce markets this winter. Their projected Opening Day payroll, even with Barnhart in tow, is now round $90 million, in response to Cot’s Contracts. (Barnhart is, impressively, tied as their second-highest paid participant.) Detroit might be a match for any variety of the top free agents, together with the big-name shortstops and outfielder Starling Marte.

In Quintana, the Reds add a former second-round choose who hasn’t taken nicely to professional ball. In two minor-league seasons, he is hit .190/.299/.308 with 11 house runs and a 26 p.c strikeout price. At this level, it is most likely truthful to categorize Cincinnati’s predominant motivation for this commerce as eager to shed wage.