3 notable Tigers who won’t be back and where they’ll go

2. Catcher Tucker Barnhart will not return to the Tigers in 2023.

The Detroit Tigers thought they had they’re entire catching situation figured out after landing two-time Gold Glove Award-winner Tucker Barnhart in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds last November. Almost immediately after the World Series concluded, the Reds’ fire-sale began and Barnhart was the first of many stars in Cincinnati to be shown the door.

Barnhart owned a $7.5M club-option for the 2022 season; one that the Tigers’ brass gladly picked up. But Barnhart not only didn’t produce at the plate, but even the backstop’s defense was subpar in 2022.

According to FanGraphs, Barnhart has -6 defensive runs saved as Detroit’s primary catcher this past season. Statistically, it was the worse defensive performance Barnhart had put forward since 2019. Adding more salt to the wound was Barnhart’s one home run, the fewest since a September call-up in 2014 and a career-worst OPS of just .530. Barnhart is a free agent this winter.

So where might Tucker Barnhart land in free agency this offseason? Don’t be shocked if Barnhart winds up back in Cincinnati. After Tyler Stephenson landed on the IL earlier this season, the Reds have since used five different catchers. The Reds would be delighted to have a dependable backup for Stephenson heading into 2023.