As the New York Mets prepare for spring training in Port St. Lucie in a couple of weeks, the team added a proven veteran catcher on a minor league deal. On Thursday, the Mets announced that they have signed former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes to a minor league contract. Mets announce the signings of Craig Kimbrel and Austin Barnes to minor league contracts. The Mets have announced that they have signed catcher Austin Barnes to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. A minor league deal is never a guarantee for a veteran player like Barnes.