Dodgers avoid arbitration with Austin Barnes and Scott Alexander

The Dodgers announced on Monday night that they signed both Austin Barnes and Scott Alexander to one-year contracts, avoiding arbitration with both players. Additionally, Yimi García was non-tendered, meaning he’ll likely not return to the club in 2020.

With Keibert Ruiz still needing some time in the minors, Barnes will likely serve as the backup catcher to Will Smith next season. It was a rough season for the five-year veteran, as he appeared in only 75 games, posting an OPS of .633. He hit only five homers, and barely hit above the mendoza line.

Alexander will return to LA for his third season. His 2019 was cut short, as he pitched in only 28 games. At the end of the season, he had surgery to address a nerve issue in his left hand. He finished the year with a 3-2 record, a 3.63 ERA and a WHIP of just under 1.40.

García will likely see his five-year stint with LA come to an end. Though his ERA (3.61) was respectable and his WHIP (0.866) was really good last year, he allowed home runs almost more frequently than any other pitcher in baseball. He allowed 15 homers in 62 innings of work, essentially allowing a long ball once every four innings pitched.

With these moves, along with the moves from a few weeks ago, the 40-man roster currently has 39 players.