### Catcher Tucker Barnhart Elects Free Agency After Rangers Release

The Texas Rangers have announced that veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart has chosen to enter free agency. This decision follows his clearance through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment over the recent weekend.

Barnhart, a 34-year-old catcher, had joined the Rangers on a minor league contract during the offseason. He was promoted to the major leagues at the end of April to fill in for Kyle Higashioka, who was dealing with a hamstring injury. Barnhart served as the backup catcher to Jonah Heim during Higashioka's stint on the injured list, which lasted throughout most of the first half of May. Even after Higashioka’s return, Barnhart remained on the roster, temporarily giving the Rangers three catchers.

Due to the crowded catcher position, Barnhart's opportunities to play were limited. Over the span of more than a month, he appeared in just eight games, making 15 plate appearances and posting a .231/.333/.231 batting line.

As a seasoned professional with significant major league experience, Barnhart has the right to refuse an assignment to the minors, which prompted the Rangers to remove him from their 40-man roster. Exercising his right to reject an outright assignment, Barnhart has now entered the free agent pool, seeking his next opportunity in professional baseball.

Although clearing waivers suggests a lack of current major league offers, Barnhart's extensive experience should enable him to easily secure a minor league contract if he so desires. Since his major league debut in 2014, Barnhart has played in 924 games, producing a .241/.318/.351 batting line and maintaining a solid reputation for his defensive capabilities behind the plate.