Max Muncy Gets Raw on Austin Barnes DFA—“It Hurt More Than People Know”

In the often stoic and business-driven world of Major League Baseball, it’s rare to hear players express raw emotion over roster moves. But when longtime Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes was designated for assignment, the usually reserved Max Muncy peeled back the curtain on just how deeply the decision affected the clubhouse. “It wasn’t just business—it was personal,” Muncy said in a heartfelt interview, his voice betraying the emotional weight of the moment. “This one hurt more than people know.”

A Clubhouse Fixture

Austin Barnes wasn’t just another name on the roster. He was a veteran presence, a vocal leader, and by many accounts, the glue guy in the Dodgers’ clubhouse. Over the years, Barnes earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike not only for his play behind the plate but for his unselfish demeanor and unwavering professionalism. Though not always a starter, his contributions were far more significant than what shows up on a stat sheet.

“Barnesy was a heartbeat guy,” Muncy continued. “He wasn’t the loudest in the room, but when he spoke, everyone listened. He kept us grounded. He knew how to lift us when we were down and keep us humble when we were on top. You can’t measure that with analytics.”

Indeed, while Barnes’ offensive numbers may have dipped in recent seasons, his value to the team’s culture was immeasurable. He was instrumental in mentoring young pitchers and was often credited with helping steer the Dodgers’ elite pitching staff through turbulent times.

A Jarring Move

When the DFA announcement came down, it stunned not only fans but the players themselves. While most are used to the transactional nature of the game—especially on a team as deep and competitive as the Dodgers—this one hit different.

“There’s never a good time to lose a guy like Barnesy,” said Muncy. “But for a lot of us, it felt like a piece of our identity was being taken away. He was one of the last links to our championship team. For guys who’ve been here a while, it felt like the end of an era.”

Sources inside the clubhouse said the reaction to Barnes’ DFA was subdued but heavy. Players were seen lingering at their lockers longer than usual. Some spoke in hushed tones. Others sat quietly, processing what the move meant—not just to the team but to the close-knit brotherhood they’ve built over the years.

Coping and Moving Forward

As the Dodgers push forward into the heart of the 2025 season, the loss of Barnes has cast a subtle shadow over the team’s otherwise focused mindset. Players know the stakes remain high, and the ultimate goal of another World Series title hasn’t changed. But they also understand that culture—built slowly over time—can be delicate.

“You can’t replace a guy like that,” Muncy said. “You just try to honor what he brought every day. We’ve all got to carry that spirit forward.”

While Barnes’ future remains uncertain—whether he lands with another team or considers stepping away from the game—his legacy in Los Angeles is secure. He was a World Series champion, a teammate’s teammate, and a trusted confidant in the dugout.

For Muncy and others, his departure is a painful reminder that baseball, for all its traditions and loyalty, is still a business. Yet, it’s also a game played by people with deep connections and shared battles. And sometimes, those bonds break in ways that stats and salaries can’t explain.

“This game takes a lot out of you,” Muncy added. “You give your all and hope you make a mark. Barnesy did that. He left a mark on this team that will last longer than any stat line.”

As the Dodgers recalibrate and continue their chase for glory, one thing is clear: the impact of Austin Barnes won’t be forgotten any time soon. And in a clubhouse filled with stars and storylines, his absence will linger quietly—felt in the subtle moments between the headlines.