TUCKER BARNHART

The free-agent catching market wasn’t particularly robust to begin with, but it keeps getting thinner. The other remaining catchers also have question marks: Jorge Alfaro, 30, strikes out a ton and never walks. But if we’re being really honest, would any of the remaining catchers really be an upgrade over Tucker Barnhart, who spent 2022 as the Tigers’ semi-regular catcher? If Barnhart is the best candidate remaining on the market -- or the candidate who offers the best fit with the Tigers’ needs -- maybe the Tigers should stand pat. If Harris decides the free-agent market isn’t worth his while, the trade market could provide some options.

Where will Detroit Tigers free-agent catcher Tucker Barnhart end up in 2023? 1 catcher for most of the last seven-and-a-half years, and he’d prefer to land a starting role again next season. Among the two dozen or so catchers on the free-agent market, only Willson Contreras seems likely to land a mega contract. Christian Vazquez will land a starting role and a likely a multi-year deal. Major-league deal, but not necessarily as a starter: Jorge Alfaro, Tucker Barnhart, Curt Casali, Austin Hedges, Omar Narvaez, Gary Sanchez.

Left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin has opted to hit the free-agent market instead of exercising a $6.5 million option with the Detroit Tigers in 2023. Chafin officially elected free agency on Sunday, according to the league transactions wire. Chafin is likely seeking a similar or better deal to the one he signed with the Tigers eight months ago. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (37)Left-handed pitchers (4): Tyler Alexander, Eduardo Rodriguez, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz. They will have to be reinstated to the 40-man roster five days after the conclusion of the World Series.

On Sunday morning 131 players -- including two members of the Detroit Tigers -- officially became free agents, although it will be five more days before they’re allowed to sign with other teams. But this group reached free agency the old-fashioned way: By accumulating at least six years of MLB service time. Barnhart, who turns 32 in January, was acquired by the Tigers one year ago in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. He’ll be hunting for a backup job this winter, while the Tigers will probably look to sign another catcher. The list is provided by the MLB Players Association.

The offseason officially begins on Sunday, the first chance for new Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris to make a meaningful mark on the Tigers’ roster. Cuts are inevitable as the Tigers will have to squeeze 47 or more players onto a 40-man roster. Free agents: Two players -- catcher Tucker Barnhart and left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris -- became free agents on Sunday, although they won’t be able to sign or talk with another team for five days. Impending minor-league free agents: Eligible minor-leaguers will become free agents on Thursday. A year ago, the Tigers placed right-hander Elvin Rodriguez on the 40-man roster to keep him from reaching minor-league free agency.

Detroit Tigers fans can find exclusive merch and apparel during a stadium garage sale at Comerica Park.

Round 2 of free agency is approaching for left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris. Norris, 29, has now pitched in parts of eight seasons for the Tigers, who dealt him to the Brewers at the deadline in 2021. Norris and catcher Tucker Barnhart are the only two players on the Tigers’ big-league roster reaching free agency of their own accord, although several others could be cut loose in the next six weeks. Outfielder Robbie Grossman (traded) and right-handed pitcher Michael Pineda (released) would also be in line for traditional free agency if they were still around. For the Tigers, Norris started, worked as a long reliever and even performed some situational lefty duties.

Another disappointing season of Detroit Tigers baseball has come to an end, and this year's offseason signings are largely to blame.

DETROIT -- The Chicago White Sox haven’t given up the fight for the American League Central Division. The Sox scored two runs in the 11th inning to beat the Detroit Tigers 4-3 Saturday night at Comerica Park. The Tigers (55-90) and White Sox (75-71) have split the first two games of the three-game series. White Sox starter Davis Martin was recalled Saturday afternoon and immediately thrust into action when scheduled starter Johnny Cueto came down with an illness. The White Sox have not yet announced their starters.

The final game of the Detroit Tigers’ six-game homestand will also see the finale of their three-game weekend series against the team they are chasing to get out of the American League Central cellar, the Kansas City Royals. Watch the Detroit Tigers on DirecTV StreamAfter a solid win on Friday, things did not go by way of the Tigers Saturday night. Though the Tigers scored another run, the Royals added a few more down the stretch, coming away with a big 12-2 victory. PROBABLE STARTERSDET: Matt Manning (1-2, 3.79 ERA)KC: Max Castillo (0-1, 2.81 ERA)Check out more stories about the Detroit Tigers here on MLiveWhat: MLB BaseballWho: Kansas City Royals (54-80) vs. Detroit Tigers (51-82)When: Sunday, September 4Time: 1:40 p.m. ETWhere: Comerica Park (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamBuy Tigers gear : Fanatics, Amazon, LidsBuy Tigers tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Tigers games live: DirecTV StreamCheck out the MLB standings and results on MLB.com

DETROIT -- One day after Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows shared his mental health struggles publicly for the first time, the support he’s received from around the baseball world has been heartening. Meadows has received overwhelming support on the social media accounts on which he posted a message about his struggles. Be well.”* “Do what you need to do Austin, Tigers’ fans are here for you.”* “You got this Austin! So his willingness to come out and talk about it is awesome and I hope it just spreads more awareness, not just in the baseball world, but to everyone.”Hinch said the baseball world and the world at large have grown in the way mental health is addressed. “The number one reason is that it’s important for Austin,” Hinch said.

CLEVELAND -- Sure, Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges may have gone off the deep end a bit with his post-game rant, but even the Detroit Tigers had a degree of sympathy for him. But Barnhart and Hinch, himself a former catcher, said after the game that they both understood why Hedges was miffed. And here the rule seemed to be helping the baserunner far more than the catcher. I see why their side would be frustrated, because that’s not really the play that the rule is designed for,” Hinch said. “Thankfully it went our way, but from catcher to catcher, I like Austin a lot and he’s really good back there.

Rookie Kerry Carpenter homered for the second straight night and the Detroit Tigers survived a wild ninth inning to defeat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3.

Miguel Cabrera says he may end his likely Hall of Fame career at the end of this season.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Detroit Tigers made two deals in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline. But it’s more likely rooted in a belief that the offseason is a better time than the trade deadline to address next year’s needs. The uncertainty surrounding Chafin’s contract in 2023 made it difficult for the Tigers to get full value in any trade. For days there was consternation among some fans that Avila and the Tigers would trade ace pitcher Tarik Skubal. The Tigers’ lack of action at the trade deadline can’t translate into to lack of action this winter.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Ace Tarik Skubal pitched five scoreless innings before leaving with arm fatigue and the Minnesota Twins rallied to beat the Detroit Tigers 5-3 in 10 innings on Monday night at Target Field. 🦸‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/o6q3Is3jey — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 2, 2022The Twins tied the game in the eighth with four straight singles against Tigers reliever Michael Fulmer, including a bases-loaded, two-run base hit by rookie Jose Miranda. In the ninth inning, Nick Gordon and Gary Sanchez reached on singles against Tigers reliever Gregory Soto. BADDOOOOOO except you're whispering it so you don't wake the neighbors.#DetroitRoots x @Adobe pic.twitter.com/E3k16dotMY — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 2, 2022But the Twins tied the game on Jose Mirando’s RBI single against Tigers reliever Alex Lange. Box scoreUp nextThe Tigers and Twins meet again on Tuesday at 7:40 p.m. -- or 100 minutes after the MLB trade deadline -- at Target Field.

DETROIT -- The MLB trade deadline is approaching soon and it will be a major surprise if the Detroit Tigers don’t make at least one deal. There won’t be a perfect overlap between the players the Tigers want to trade and the players other teams are interested in. In this group, he’s the most likely to be dealt and the most likely to have some interested suitors. RHP Michael FulmerRecent history suggests one or two players -- not all five -- will be dealt before Aug. 2. RECENT TIGERS DEALS AT THE DEADLINE2021: Traded LHP Daniel Norris to the Brewers for RHP Reese Olson.

Luis Arraez had three hits to raise his major league-leading average to .342, Carlos Correa homered and the Minnesota Twins scored six late runs to beat the Detroit Tigers 8-4 on Saturday night for just their fourth win in 12 games.

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Guardians teed off on Detroit Tigers starter Michael Pineda for eight runs in the first two innings and cruised to a 10-0 victory Saturday afternoon at Progressive Field. They wrap up a four-game series with the Guardians (46-44) on Sunday. Pineda gave up a three-run home run to Guardians All-Star Jose Ramirez in the first inning. The Tigers loaded the bases in the first inning against Guardians starter Cal Quantrill but never threatened again. Box scoreUp nextThe Tigers and Guardians wrap up their four-game series and head into the All-Star break by playing their series finale on Sunday at 1:40 p.m.

Rookie Beau Brieske tossed two-hit ball into the seventh inning while outpitching Dylan Cease, Javier Báez homered and the Detroit Tigers hung on beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1.

Baez homered and Beau Brieske tossed a no-hitter through five innings as the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1 in the series opener Thursday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. They have three more this weekend against the White Sox (39-42). Through five innings, Brieske had allowed only a walk to Sox second baseman Josh Harrison, a former Tiger. Rather than throw to first or second, Tigers catcher Tucker Barnhart ran across the infield, straight at Abreu, and tagged him out personally. Box scoreUp nextThe Tigers and White Sox meet again on Friday at 8:10 p.m. Eastern time.

DETROIT -- Riley Greene will bat sixth and play center field in his Major League debut on Saturday. The Tigers (24-40) and Texas Rangers (31-33) play at 4:10 p.m. at Comerica Park. Eric Haase will catch and bat cleanup against Texas left-handed starter Taylor Hearn (4-4, 5.37). Tigers ➡️ StarsRiley Greene makes his Major League debut today on @FS1. pic.twitter.com/XfvYCsgEuE — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 18, 2022Catcher Tucker Barnhart, outfielder Victor Reyes and infielder Harold Castro will be available for the Tigers off the bench.

DETROIT -- When the Detroit Tigers’ clubhouse opened on Thursday afternoon, the ping-pong tournament was already well under way. Any negative energy from yesterday’s 13-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox and subsequent players-only meeting appeared to have been eradicated. The Tigers were swept in three games by the White Sox, a series that ended with a blowout loss and three separate position players pitching for the Tigers. “I think yesterday was a low point for a lot of people, including myself,” said Tigers manager A.J. “We have a lot of good coaches, a lot of good players, and we are not performing up to our expectations.”

DETROIT -- Javier Baez will return to the starting line on Thursday as the Detroit Tigers open a four-game series against the Texas Rangers. Baez was off on Wednesday as the Tigers lost 13-0 to the Chicago White Sox. Right-handed hitting catcher Eric Haase will get a second consecutive start behind the plate. In addition to Meadows, catcher Tucker Barnhart and infielder/outfielder Kody Clemens will be available off the bench. Rookie right-hander Beau Brieske (1-5, 4.34) will start for the Tigers.

DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers outfielder Robbie Grossman, who left Friday’s game after fouling a ball off his leg, is not in the lineup Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays. How we line up for Game 2 vs. Toronto. pic.twitter.com/uLqvQbCZb8 — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 11, 2022In addition to Grossman, catcher Tucker Barnhart, outfielder Derek Hill and infielder/outfielder Kody Clemens will be available off the bench. Saturday’s game will start at 4:10 p.m. at Comerica Park and is second of three games between the Tigers (23-34) and Jays (34-23). Tigers rookie right-hander Beau Brieske (0-5, 4.93 ERA) will face Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (5-4, 2.78).

Tarik Skubal allowed just two hits in seven shutout innings in Detroit Tigers’ 5-0 win over the Minnesota Twins.

Tarik Skubal allowed just two hits in seven shutout innings in Detroit Tigers' 5-0 win over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers will stock their lineup with right-handed batters for Game 1 of Tuesday’s day-night doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins. Tigers right-hander Rony Garcia (0-0, 3.00 ERA) is facing Twins lefty Devin Smeltzer (1-0, 1.04) at 1:10 p.m.Miguel Cabrera is back in the lineup at designated hitter after missing a game due to lower back tightness. Eric Haase will serve as catcher for Game 1. pic.twitter.com/7sTqvhsNsT — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 31, 2022The Tigers (18-29) have won four of five and are 9-6 in their last 15 games. The first-place Twins (29-20) have a 4.5 game lead over the second-place White Sox and a 10-game lead on the fourth-place Tigers.

Rookie Alex Faedo allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings for his first major league win and Miguel Cabrera had an RBI double as the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-2.

Isaac Paredes homered twice against his former teammates to double his career big league total, helping the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Detroit Tigers 6-1 on an afternon Eduardo Rodriguez did not make it out of the first inning.

Tarik Skubal led the Tigers to a 6-0 win over Oakland as the visiting team in the opener of a unique doubleheader caused by Major League Baseball’s lockout.

DETROIT -- Veteran catcher Dustin Garneau will remain in the Detroit Tigers organization. Garneau, designated for assignment on Monday, has cleared waivers unclaimed and been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. That gave the Tigers two everyday corner outfielders -- Meadows and Grossman -- and little room for Haase to serve as a platoon bat. Now he’ll catch for the Mud Hens and be a potential option for the Tigers later this summer. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (39)Players in bold are on the 26-man rosterLeft-handed pitchers (6): Tyler Alexander*, Andrew Chafin, Eduardo Rodriguez, Tarik Skubal, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers placed left-handed starting pitcher Tyler Alexander on the 10-day injured list with a left elbow sprain on Monday. The Tigers also announced Monday that veteran catcher Dustin Garneau had been designated for assignment. At Triple-A Toledo, Elvin Rodriguez, Alex Faedo, Joey Wentz, Nivaldo Rodriguez and Chase Anderson are candidates. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (40)Players in bold are on the 26-man rosterLeft-handed pitchers (6): Tyler Alexander*, Andrew Chafin, Eduardo Rodriguez, Tarik Skubal, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz. Catcher Jake Rogers (right elbow sprain); and right-handed pitchers Jose Cisnero (right shoulder sprain), Kyle Funkhouser (right shoulder strain) and Spencer Turnbull (right elbow sprain) are on the 60-day injured list, which removes them from the 40-man roster.

But he fought back with two strikes and then induced a high pop-up between home plate and the pitcher’s mound. But things got even weirder in the second inning. As it turned out, Cole struggled even more in the second inning than Alexander did in the first. Cabrera singled to lead off the second inning and eventually scored the Tigers’ first run. Box scoreUp nextThe Tigers (4-6) and Yankees (6-5) meet again on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (0-1, 5.87 ERA) will face Yankees right-hander Luis Severino (1-0, 2.25).

-- Outfielder Robbie Grossman is back in the Detroit Tigers’ lineup after missing three games with an injury, but shortstop Javier Baez will miss a fourth day. Dustin Garneau will make his second start of the season behind the plate. Harold Castro will get his fourth straight start at shortstop in place of Baez. pic.twitter.com/PmOnsasP5Q — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 16, 2022Right-hander Matt Manning will make his second start of the season for the Tigers. Catcher Tucker Barnhart; outfielders Victor Reyes, Akil Baddoo and Austin Meadows; and possibly shortstop Javier Baez will be available off

The Detroit Tigers announced their final roster moves of the offseason Wednesday, revealing the 28 players who will make up the Opening Day roster.

The Detroit Tigers are suddenly relevant after spending big money in free agency to jolt a franchise that has been focused on a long rebuilding process.

Cincinnati Reds corner outfielders Nick Castillo and Jesse Winker were All-Star Game starters for the National League last year. Third baseman Eugenio Suárez slammed 129 home runs in the last four seasons and was a fan favorite.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Is the Detroit Tigers’ lineup on Saturday afternoon a preview of Opening Day on April 8? He added, “Everybody wants to rush to the Opening Day lineup, but I still see 10 or 12 games that we’ve got to get through.”The lineup matches our projected batting order from a few days ago. 5 spot in three consecutive games, and Hinch said he’s addressed the possibility of moving down in the order with Cabrera. This may be the Opening Day lineup, but it’s unclear that it will be the everyday lineup. Hinch frequently changes his lineup and batting order.

Cabrera is no longer the feared hitter he once was and the Tigers have restocked the lineup around him. Cabrera was batting fifth, behind Javier Baez and Jeimer Candelario in the middle of the order. But that’s easier said than done, because Barnhart will probably bat eighth or ninth, and Baddoo (and perhaps eventually Riley Greene) will be at the top of the order. Riley Greene, CF (L)8. Riley Greene, CF (L)7.

Pitcher Michael Pineda and the Detroit Tigers reached a one-year deal Saturday, the latest move by a team that's been active before and after the 99-day lockout.

Pitcher Michael Pineda and the Detroit Tigers reached a one-year deal Saturday, the latest move by a team that’s been active before and after the 99-day lockout.

For the first time this year, you can watch a Detroit Tigers game live on television today.

Two-and-a-half years after he ditched switch hitting to bat exclusively from the left side, Tucker Barnhart has decided to go back. Barnhart, who took cuts from both sides of the plate in batting practice on Tuesday, is officially a switch hitter again. “I’ve done it for a long time,” said Barnhart, who is a natural left-handed hitter but had 402 plate appearances as a right-handed hitter from 2014-2019. Working with his hitting coach at home in Indianapolis, Barnhart committed to working on both sides of the plate this winter. “I went into the offseason not toying with the idea (of returning to switch hitting) but making it a priority,” he said.

When Detroit Tigers players checked their group chats for updates on the winterlong MLB lockout, their information often came from two sources: Left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd, who is no longer on the team, and catcher Tucker Barnhart, who most of them had never met. Barnhart was the Reds’ rep before being traded. Boyd, who was not offered a contract by the Tigers after the season, was still a union member subject to the lockout. I’m just hoping to do my small part to help them get better.”Is he still the union rep? It was an interesting, unique time.”If Boyd doesn’t return and Barnhart wants to handoff his union duties, his eventual successor may be a few lockers away.

Miguel Cabrera showed up Sunday morning for the start of his 20th spring training camp in the majors, his 15th with the Detroit Tigers.

If the current dispute is resolved after the Christmas holidays, it will go down as a mere footnote on the 2022 season. After the 2023 season, Baez will get to decide whether he can do better than four years and $96 million on the open market. Is their 2022 season in jeopardy? What is your sense of Ryan Kreidler’s future with the Tigers now that they have Javier Baez likely long-term at shortstop? But in 2022, he’s going to have to fight and claw for every scrap of opportunity like anybody else.

The Detroit Tigers declined to offer a 2022 contract to Matthew Boyd, making the veteran left-handed pitcher a free agent for the first time in his career. Players like Boyd are said to be “non-tendered” and are free to sign with any team. By tendering a contract, the Tigers are committed to negotiating a contract with the player and going through the arbitration process if necessary. Infielders (8): Miguel Cabrera, Jeimer Candelario, Harold Castro, Willi Castro, Kody Clemens, Isaac Paredes, Jonathan Schoop, Zack Short. Nov. 30: Announced that left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd would not be tendered a contract for 2022.

Javier Báez is nearing a $140 million, six-year contract with Detroit, giving the Tigers a dynamic bat for the middle of their order.

Everybody knows the Detroit Tigers aren’t done signing free agents this offseason, but with many of the top targets signing this week, when is the time to strike?

Want tangible evidence that the Detroit Tigers’ pursuit of top free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa is for real? An alert diner snapped photographs of Correa dining with Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who still lives in Houston during the offseason, managed Correa and the Houston Astros from 2015-2019. Correa, 27, is perhaps the most coveted free agent on the market and could command a contract of 10 years and $300 million or more. Shortstop is the primary spot left to fill on their winter wish list.

The Detroit Tigers made the first trade of the offseason when they acquired catcher Tucker Barnhart on the first day after the conclusion of the World Series. Only 13 days into the offseason, the Tigers have already completed half the items on their to-do list. Barnhart is not the best catcher in baseball, but he was very likely the best catcher available. The best pitcher on the market right now is probably Max Scherzer. But the best pitcher at the age and price tier the Tigers were willing to consider?

The Detroit Tigers rookie right-hander Drew Carlton has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (39)Left-handed pitchers (6): Tyler Alexander, Matthew Boyd, Miguel Del Pozo, Tarik Skubal, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz. TIGERS’ OFFSEASON MOVESAdditionsNov. 3: Acquired catcher Tucker Barnhart from the Cincinnati Reds for minor-league infielder Nick Quintana. SubtractionsNov. 5: RHP Drew Hutchison and LHP Ian Krol elected free agency after being waived and outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. Nov. 9: RHP Drew Carlton cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo.

The deadline for MLB teams to extend qualifying offers to prospective free agents passed this weekend, and those decisions will have an impact on the Detroit Tigers as they hurtle toward an active offseason.

More than four years after he was acquired in a nearly-forgotten trade, right-handed pitcher Elvin Rodriguez is finally joining the Detroit Tigers’ 40-man roster. The Tigers now have 40 players on the 40-man roster, although there could be other moves in the weeks ahead. He could join a rotation in Triple-A Toledo that includes Rony Garcia, Alex Faedo and Joey Wentz. They can’t be returned to the 60-day injured list and removed from the 40-man roster until the first day of spring training in February. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (40)Left-handed pitchers (6): Tyler Alexander, Matthew Boyd, Miguel Del Pozo, Tarik Skubal, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz.

Right-hander Trevor Bauer, third baseman Nolan Arenado, outfielder Charlie Blackmon and infielder-outfielder Jurickson Profar declined to opt out of their contracts to become free agents. Bauer agreed to a $102 million, three-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in February and began 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA in 17 starts. Elsewhere, the New York Mets announced Saturday they have extended $18.4 million qualifying offers to outfielder Michael Conforto and pitcher Noah Syndergaard — a day ahead of Sunday's deadline.

Publicly the Tigers have confirmed only two other positions on their winter wish list: Shortstop and starting pitcher. These are players that Tigers general manager Al Avila should call right now, before the hot stove gets too warm. But at least he played outstanding defense at three different infield spots, which would have helped the Tigers in 2021. Also, remember that there will be more free agents hitting the market later this month after being non-tendered by their old club. Some of those players will be younger and potentially more attractive than traditional free agents, so stay tuned.

In other professional sports, the free-agency period arrives with a barrage of news and tweets and deal-making on the first day players are eligible to sign. Those that remain in the final couple of weeks before the start of spring training take whatever they can get. “(Wednesday) was obviously the first day you can go out and talk to agents about players that you’re interested in,” Avila said. Catchers (4): Tucker Barnhart, Dustin Garneau, Grayson Greiner, Eric Haase. TIGERS’ OFFSEASON ADDITIONSNov. 3: Acquired catcher Tucker Barnhart from the Cincinnati Reds for minor-league infielder Nick Quintana.

The Cincinnati Reds traded veteran Gold Glove catcher Tucker Barnhart to the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday in exchange for infield prospect Nick Quintana.

The Detroit Tigers were poised to pursue the best catcher on the free-agent market. That was how the club landed veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart on Wednesday, the first day of the Major League offseason. The Tigers have their catcher and they got him at a bargain price. “We were so excited -- elated, really -- to be able to acquire Tucker so quickly in the hot-stove season,” said Tigers general manager Al Avila. “I think the best version of Tucker Barnhart on the baseball field is now and in the future,” he said.

World Series MVP Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and Eddie Rosario of the champion Atlanta Braves are among 160 players who became free agents as an uncertain offseason started with a lockout threat looming.

The Detroit Tigers have traded prospect Nick Quintana to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart.

The Detroit Tigers have acquired catcher Tucker Barnhart from the Cincinnati Reds, scratching an important item off their offseason to-do list on the first day of the offseason. The Tigers will send minor-league infielder Nick Quintana to the Reds to complete the trade. Barnhart, who turns 31 in January, has spent his entire career in Cincinnati and has won Gold Glove awards for his defense in 2017 and 2020. Barnhart has a team option for $7.5 million in 2022 that will be exercised this week by the Tigers. This story will be updated.

DETROIT -- If you look back at some of the early-spring roster and lineup projections from 2021, it’s no secret that we got a lot of stuff wrong. Jonathan Schoop was the regular first baseman, a position he had never played before in his career. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comSecond baseJonathan Schoop (60 percent)Isaac Paredes (30 percent)Others (10 percent)Once Torkelson is up, Schoop will shift to second. Detroit Tigers' Jeimer Candelario celebrates after hitting an RBI-double to drive in Miguel Cabrera against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Detroit. Detroit Tigers' Derek Hill reacts to his one-run triple against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fifth inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021.

Victor Caratini hit a two-run, game-ending homer two batters after Eric Hosmer hit a tying, two-run homer for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Cincinnati Reds in a 6-4 thriller before the first sellout crowd at Petco Park since 2019.

Dylan Cease pitched one-hit ball for six innings, struck out 11 and amazingly got three hits in his first pro plate appearances as the Chicago White Sox routed the Cincinnati Reds 9-0.

Josh Naylor lined into a triple play in the eighth inning, then let a routine grounder roll through his legs at first base with two outs in the ninth that led to Cincinnati’s tying run as the Reds beat the Cleveland Indians 3-2 in 10 innings.

Nick Castellanos stood over, flexed and jawed at St. Louis pitcher Jake Woodford after scoring, stetting off a series of scuffles that included relievers shoving in the outfield as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Cardinals 9-6.

Arenado won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)ST. LOUIS – Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove and right fielder Mookie Betts snared his fifth in a row on Tuesday, his first with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after four with Boston. Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon also won his eighth Gold Glove — and fourth straight — in his final major league season. They were joined by seven first-time winners, including Indians second baseman César Hernández. Arenado and Robert earned $9,259, prorated portions of $25,000, and O’Neill earned $3,704, a prorated portion of $10,000.

Two games, 22 innings and zero runs: Just like that, Cincinnati and its faltering offense had been eliminated from the MLB playoffs by the Atlanta Braves. For fans who enjoy chaos, drama and sheer randomness, the past three days provided it. With a revised schedule that restricted teams to their geographic regions — East vs. East, Central vs. Central and West vs. West — home teams went 500-398 for a .557 winning percentage, the highest since .559 in 2010, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Whether home or away, the end came quickly for some teams over the past few days. “It's a really tough season, everything to go through, playing through a pandemic, doing all this,” Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart said.

Pittsburgh Pirates' Josh Bell (55) reacts to drawing a walk as Cincinnati Reds' Tucker Barnhart (16) reacts in the first inning during a baseball game at in Cincinnati, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. The last two games of a series between the Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates were postponed Saturday after the player tested positive. The Reds expect results of their latest tests on Monday, when a decision will be made whether they travel to Kansas City. The Reds are the third MLB team to have games postponed because one of its players tested positive for COVID-19, joining the Marlins and the Cardinals. The Reds' Matt Davidson confirmed that he tested positive during the opening series of the abbreviated, 60-game season, forcing him onto the injured list.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)DETROIT Trevor Bauer made short work of the Detroit Tigers, capping Major League Baseball's first seven-inning doubleheader with a shutout. We've had a tough time in these first ten days, and we've especially struggled against Detroit, Bell said. Bauer wasn't confirmed as the starter for the second game until he arrived at the park. At one point in the first game, Cincinnati starter Anthony DeSclafani forgot the teams were only playing seven innings. Tigers: Detroit has Monday off, then is scheduled to host four games in three days against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Vintage Javier Bez, in time to keep the Cubs' surge going. Bez took it from there, emerging from a slow start that included only a pair of singles in the first four games. Mills, who made four spot starts last season, held the Reds to two hits in six innings. Bez had a solo shot and a two-run homer as the Cubs pulled away, loudly cheering each hit and celebrating each run in the dugout. Reds: Sonny Gray (1-0) tries to extend his major league record streak of 34 consecutive starts without allowing more than six hits.

Detroit Tigers' JaCoby Jones reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, Saturday, July 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI Miguel Cabrera passed two superstars with a homer Saturday night, and JaCoby Jones hit a two-run shot in the ninth off Raisel Iglesias, rallying the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The two RBIs boosted Cabrera past Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and into 25th place on the career RBI list with 1,696. Reds: The Reds placed infielder Matt Davidson on the 10-day injured list after he tested positive for COVID-19 and put catcher Tucker Barnhart on the three-day paternity list. Reds: RHP Trevor Bauer (combined 11-13 in 2019 with Cleveland and Cincinnati) makes his 20th career start against Detroit.