Michael Barrett's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the first round of the 1995 MLB Draft. A catcher by trade, Barrett made his major league debut with the Expos in 1998. Over the next few years, he developed a reputation for his defensive skills behind the plate and his ability to handle a pitching staff.
Barrett's tenure with the Expos lasted until 2003, during which he demonstrated consistent performance both offensively and defensively. In 2004, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he spent the majority of his career. His time with the Cubs was marked by several memorable moments, including a notable incident in 2006 when he was involved in an on-field altercation with A.J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox. This incident, while controversial, highlighted Barrett's competitive nature and fiery spirit.
During his years with the Cubs, Barrett was recognized for his offensive capabilities, particularly for a catcher. He achieved a career-high batting average of .307 in 2004 and was awarded a Silver Slugger Award that same year, acknowledging his prowess as one of the best hitting catchers in the league. Barrett's ability to contribute offensively was a valuable asset to the Cubs, and he became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field.
In 2007, Barrett was traded to the San Diego Padres. His time with the Padres was relatively short, as he struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance. In 2008, he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, but his stint there was also marred by injuries, limiting his playing time.
Barrett's career in the major leagues concluded after the 2009 season. Over the course of his career, he played in over 1,000 games, achieving a batting average of .263 with 98 home runs and 424 RBIs. While his career had its ups and downs, Barrett's ability to perform both offensively and defensively as a catcher was respected by teammates and opponents alike.
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