Austin Barnes, now the every day catcher, looks to build on a solid 2017 season toward an even better 2018. (Photo courtesy of Dodgers Photo Stream @jon.soohoo on Instagram)

Here is reason No. 25 the Dodgers will win the 2018 World Series:

Austin Barnes

The Dodgers, like every club, are always looking for an offensive upgrade at catcher. A catcher that can perform at the plate in addition to behind it is a huge bonus, just ask the rival San Francisco Giants who have Buster Posey.

While Yasmani Grandal faded at the plate last year, 28-year-old Austin Barnes emerged as a viable threat. Barnes hit .289 in 218 plate appearances in 2017, with an on-base percentage a full 100 points higher than Grandal’s (.408 to .308).

The native of Riverside, CA and Poly High School has the potential to add some pop to the bottom of the Dodgers’ lineup, given 25 of his 63 hits last season went for extra bases.

Barnes is someone that paid his Minor League dues for years, and is poised to grab hold of the starting catcher job for the foreseeable future.

When he does and elevates his play to the next level, it will result in helping the Dodgers to the World Series.

It’s been 30 years since the Dodgers last World Series triumph in 1988. In honor of the ’88 team and respect for the championship-caliber 2018 club, we present our “30 IN 30” Spring Training series: 30 reasons why the Dodgers can win the World Series in 2018. We’ll count down from No. 30 to No. 1 every day up to Opening Day against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium.