3 free agent catchers the Reds could sign this offseason to add depth to the roster

3. Reds could sign free agent catcher Tucker Barnhart

There are several Reds fans who would absolutely love the idea of a reunion with Tucker Barnhart. However, this isn't the same catcher who won two Gold Glove Awards. While known more for his glove than his bat, both have let Barnhart down the past few seasons.

Barnhart spent the best years of his career hanging the signs for the Cincinnati Reds pitching staff. However, rather than pick up his option for the 2022 season, the Reds traded Barnhart to the Detroit Tigers.

Last offseason, Barnhart signed a free agent deal with the Chicago Cubs. Things couldn't have gone more off course for the veteran backstop last season and Barnhart was actually DFA'd and eventually released by the Cubs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Barnhart up and signed him to a minor league deal. However, Barnhart never made it back to The Show in 2023 and entered free agency this offseason.

There would be several benefits to signing Tucker Barnhart, with the first being his familiarity with the team. While most of the faces are new, Tyler Stephenson, Jonathan India, and David Bell are still in the clubhouse.

Barnhart is also a left-handed hitting catcher. Seeing as how Bell loves to play the matchups, having a left-handed swinging backstop would add even more versatility to the Cincinnati Reds roster.

While most Reds fans are going to scoff at the idea of adding another catcher to the roster. Cincinnati is one injury away from having to panic and sign a catcher off the scrap heap. After entering last season with three catchers, it seems likely that Nick Krall will add at least one more this offseason.