MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo reported on Monday that free agent relief pitcher Matt Barnes is edging closer to securing a deal with the Washington Nationals.
Barnes, who played for the Miami Marlins in 2023, saw his $9 million club option declined by the Marlins in November after undergoing significant hip surgery in July, which kept him off the field since June 1.
In January, reports emerged that Barnes was poised to showcase his skills in front of MLB teams, receiving positive feedback despite being only nine months post-surgery.
This marks Barnes’ first foray into free agency after being selected by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. He debuted in 2014, steadily progressing to a more prominent role by 2016.
Barnes notably contributed to the Red Sox’s 2018 World Series victory as a late-inning reliever and earned his first All-Star appearance in 2021 after transitioning to a closing role.
Following a decline in performance, Barnes was designated for assignment by the Red Sox after the 2022 season. The Marlins acquired him in a trade last winter, where he displayed effectiveness until his season was cut short in June due to a rough outing.
With a career record of 33-30, a 4.13 ERA, and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings, Barnes could bolster the Nationals’ bullpen, which struggled with a 5.02 ERA in 2023.
The Nationals have made minimal additions to their bullpen this offseason, with Dylan Floro being the only notable addition from Barnes’ former team, the Marlins.
