Heading into the 2021 season, there seemed to be little question as to who would be the Dodgers main catcher. All signs from last season pointed to Will Smith getting the bulk of starts, even with Austin Barnes’ command of the pitching staff.
The Dodgers have Barnes as Clayton Kershaw’s designated pitcher. But he also took over in the postseason, catching the entire staff very well when called upon. The acquisition of Trevor Bauer had many wondering if that also meant Barnes could end up with more opportunities.
Roberts turned some heads this month when he was asked how he expects the two backstops to share the time back there.