At this point, the Los Angeles Dodgers are almost single-handedly financing the Tampa Bay Rays payroll through their luxury tax. Bob Nightengale reports that they have re-signed their catcher Austin Barnes to a two-year deal, and the $4.3 million deal brings the Dodgers payroll up to $260 million.
Barnes split time behind home plate with Will Smith last season and played only 29 games in the shortened season. 2020 was one of Barnes’ more productive offensive seasons as he posted a .244 batting average, .353 on-base percentage, and slugged .667, which was the second-highest total of his career. With both catchers returning for the 2021 season, likely, Barnes will once again serve in a complementary role.
The Dodgers remain the betting favorite to repeat as World Series Champions and are +350 at FanDuel Sportsbook.
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