Dodgers 2016 profile: Austin Barnes

Austin Barnes made his major league debut in 2015, and looks for more in 2016.

Barnes in 10 words or less

Athletic catcher ready for the majors.

Question

How much time will Barnes see in the big leagues in 2016?

Barnes' avenue for playing time isn't limited to just waiting for the call of Yasmani Grandal or A.J. Ellls to the disabled list. Barnes has also played 151 minor league games at second base, and in the last two seasons has even mixed in time at third base.

Manager Dave Roberts has an affinity for Barnes' bat and his career .390 minor league on-base percentage, and said Barnes would see time at potentially both second and third base this spring, improving his chances of  joining the majors at some point in 2016.

"Austin played at Arizona State as a shortstop, can play some middle infield and move around the diamond. He gives a roster flexibility without a doubt," Roberts said. "To see him taking grounders [in spring], I can see that. He's offensive, he's good on the team. In talking to Austin, he's open with whatever gives him an opportunity to get to the big leagues," Roberts said. "He has flexibility."

Quotable

"You can't overlook Austin Barnes. You have to like the bat and the athleticism, the versatility that he creates. As we move through spring training, we'll talk a little more. There is no one set way to construct a roster, and we're exploring options."

More of Dave Roberts talking about how Barnes might find his way to Los Angeles.

Trivia

Barnes in 2015 was one of just 10 Dodgers in history to play at least one game at catcher, second base and third base in the same season, and the first since super utility man Derrel Thomas in 1980.

Contract status

Barnes has 60 days of major league service time and two option years remaining. He will make somewhere near the league minimum rate ($507,500) when in the majors.

Stats

2016 outlook

I'll guess Barnes gets 100 major league plate appearances in 2016, and puts up a .370 OBP.

Please enter your predictions for Barnes in the comments below.