SF Giants division rivals part ways with a pair of long-tenured veterans

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making some changes to the roster. Within the past week, the longtime SF Giants rivals have parted ways with a pair of long-tenured veterans in Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor.

SF Giants division rivals part ways with a pair of long-tenured veterans

The Dodgers released Taylor, whereas Barnes remains on the waiver wire. Any team that claims Barnes would be on the hook for the remainder of his three-year, $10.5 million pact. Taylor is in the final year of a four-year, $64 million deal. This includes a $12 million team option for 2026, with a $4 million buyout.

Barnes is expected to clear waivers, whereas Taylor is now a free agent. Taylor was one of the first examples of the shrewd success of the Dodgers' front office. He came over from the Seattle Mariners in a minor trade in 2016.

The right-handed bat went on a tear at the plate to finish that season, and has remained with Los Angeles ever since. For years, he was one of the puzzle pieces that seemed to fit well in the Dodgers' lineup, as he thrived against left-handed pitching and was able to play all around the field.

Over the past few seasons, Taylor's numbers declined at the plate. The Dodgers remained patient since they had an All-Star cast. If the utility bat was able to handle multiple positions, that offered some value to a Dodgers team that has seemingly become less versatile in recent seasons. That said, it was tough for the Dodgers to overlook his numbers, as he struggled to a .457 OPS in 35 plate appearances this year.

On the other hand, Barnes had a surprisingly long tenure with the Dodgers. He came over from the Miami Marlins in a seven-player deal before the 2015 season. He debuted with the club that following season, and has served as a backup catcher since then.

Barnes never offered much with the bat, recording a .660 OPS throughout his 11-year career. He did prove to be a tough out with an 11.2 percent career walk rate. Barnes often served as a personal catcher to future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. The 35-year-old backstop was behind the plate for 86 of Kershaw's games. Only A.J. Ellis caught the southpaw pitcher more times, with 118 games.

The Giants have not faced Los Angeles yet this season. When they do, the bench will look a little different than it has in the past.