Matt Barnes DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent reliever Matt Barnes' market is heating up, as the Washington Nationals are one club that is linked to him. The right-hander underwent offseason surgery on his hip but threw for interested clubs in late January and appears ready to join a big-league spring training camp soon. It was a tough 2023 season for the 33-year-old who dealt with both injuries and inconsistency as he posted a 5.48 ERA across 24 outings. However, he also posted a 4.15 FIP and 4.35 SIERA, suggesting he was better than his surface ERA might suggest. Once a staple in the Red Sox bullpen, Barnes owns a career 4.13 ERA across 453 appearances while boasting an impressive 29.4% K%, although that figure has hovered around just 20% in each of the last two seasons.

Veteran relief pitcher Matt Barnes threw for a group of MLB scouts last week, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. A hip injury cost Barnes the second half of his 2023 season, holding him to just 24 appearances with the Miami Marlins. He maintained a 4.15 FIP, 8.44 K/9, and 4.22 BB/9 while inducing a 49.3 GB%. Prior to last season, Barnes had been a staple of the Red Sox' bullpen. He recorded 24 saves back in 2021. The 33-year-old righty will presumably have to settle for a minor league deal but could compete for a roster spot during Spring Training.