The Nationals and Jacob Barnes, a right-handed reliever, have reached an agreement on a minor league contract, according to a report by Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com. Barnes, who is represented by Vayner Sports, is expected to participate in the team’s major league camp as a non-roster invitee.
Barnes has played in the major leagues every year since 2016, representing eight different teams during that time. The 33-year-old had a strong start to his career with the Brewers from 2016-2018, posting a 3.54 ERA and a matching 3.55 FIP over 147 1/3 innings pitched. However, he has struggled in the past five years and has become a journeyman. Since the 2019 season, Barnes has pitched for the Brewers, Royals, Angels, Mets, Blue Jays, Yankees, Tigers, and Cardinals, accumulating a combined 6.32 ERA with a 20.8% strikeout rate and a 9.4% walk rate.
Despite his struggles in the majors, Barnes has consistently performed well in the upper minors. Over six Triple-A seasons, he has pitched 134 innings and has an impressive 2.15 earned run average. He has struck out 24.1% of batters at that level while walking only 9%. Additionally, he has allowed just six home runs in total, averaging only 0.4 home runs per nine innings pitched. Barnes has a higher than average ground ball rate and maintains an average velocity of over 95 mph on his four-seam fastball. Throughout his career, he has primarily relied on a combination of a four-seam fastball and a slider.
The Nationals have been relatively inactive in the free agent market this offseason, with Dylan Floro being their only addition to the bullpen. The bullpen situation behind closer Kyle Finnegan and setup man Hunter Harvey is wide open, especially with the recent news of Mason Thompson’s injury. Floro and Tanner Rainey, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, will provide manager Davey Martinez with two experienced arms to rely on. However, there are plenty of opportunities for Barnes in the Washington bullpen, whether he impresses during camp or begins the season with Triple-A Rochester.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com