Washington Nationals journeyman reliever Jacob Barnes comes off a successful 2024 season as a free agent this offseason. In 2024, he sported an 8-3 record with an ERA of 4.36 with 55 strikeouts. Barnes became a free agent at the end of the 2024 World Series. This offseason along with Barnes the Nationals also have Right-hander Trevor Williams, Joey Gallo, and left-hander Patrick Corbin on the free agent market. With the Nationals finishing fourth in the NL East with a 71-91 record this past season, they look to address many areas in their lineup, such as offense, corner-infield positions, starting rotation, and a veteran backup catcher. The team has found past success in picking up free agents who have rebounded coming to the Nationals.
Free Agent Profile: Jacob Barnes
Barnes relies on three pitches: the cutter, four-seamer, and slider. In 2024, he relied primarily on his cutter, which hit around 90mph, and the four-seam fastball, which hit around 95mph. Every so often, he will also throw in the slider. As a 34-year-old relief pitcher, he can provide depth.
Barnes is identified as a journeyman pitcher, having played for many teams in his MLB career. Including the Nationals, Barnes has played for nine other teams and they are the Milwaukee Brewers, the Kansas City Royals, the Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Detroit Tigers, the New York Yankees, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He has failed to settle down with a team with his inconsistent performances across his career ERA of 4.68. In February 2024, he joined the Nationals, his 12th organization in the last six seasons.
Landing Spots For Barnes
Washington Nationals
Barnes is classified as a middle reliever. The Nationals may consider bringing Barnes back in 2025, as he put up decent numbers. But they may only bring him back on a minor-league contract, as he couldn’t pitch more than three innings this past season. The Nationals may be looking for a reliever who can provide more depth by throwing around 50 pitches.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies need to add relievers for 2025, and Barnes could be an affordable veteran they could consider. Barnes also has experience as a high-leverage reliever. The Rockies have one of the worst bullpens and need to acquire many relievers. The Rockies do have some promising young relievers (Jake Bird and Angel Chivilli) who would benefit from bringing in an experienced arm. Barnes would be a low-risk acquisition that the Rockies could consider.
Main Photo Credits: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
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