Another familiar face for Detroit Tigers fans has decided to hang up the gear. Veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart announced his retirement after 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray, who cited Barnhart’s agent Steve Rath.
Barnhart, 34, enjoyed a lengthy career that included eight seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, where he hit .248 and won two Gold Glove Awards. The Reds dealt Barnhart to the Tigers in November 2021, and Detroit picked up his $7.75 million club option for the 2022 season. He played 94 games in the Motor City, hitting .221 with one home run and 16 RBI.
Though he couldn’t replicate his Reds success in Detroit, Barnhart went on to spend time with the Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Texas Rangers. He also had minor league stints with the Dodgers and returned briefly to the Reds organization. This season, Barnhart signed a one-year minor league deal with Texas, appearing in eight big-league games and 34 games at Triple-A Round Rock before being designated for assignment last month.
Barnhart’s retirement follows the recent decision of another former Tigers backstop, Wilson Ramos, who also ended his career after 12 MLB seasons. Ramos spent part of his final big-league year in Detroit, playing 35 games during the 2021 season.
Drafted in the 10th round in 2009, Barnhart carved out a successful career behind the plate—highlighted by his defensive prowess and two Gold Gloves. Though his bat never fully clicked outside of Cincinnati, Barnhart leaves the game having maximized his opportunities and enjoyed a solid run in the majors.
Two-Time Gold Glover and Former Tiger Tucker Barnhart Announces Retirement
