Earlier last week, the Boston Red Sox made a surprising decision. Boston dumped All-Star reliever and 2018 World Series Champion Matt Barnes. The team designated Barnes for assignment, and on Monday, the Red Sox traded him away.
Boston sent Barnes to the Miami Marlins. The Athletic’s ace MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported the news initially. “Matt Barnes is heading to the Marlins in a trade, sources tell The Athletic,” Rosenthal tweeted.
Matt Barnes is heading to the Marlins in a trade, sources tell @TheAthletic. Designated for assignment by Red Sox last week.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 30, 2023
Then, Marlins reporter Craig Mish tacked on additional details. “Richard Bleier is headed to the Red Sox for Matt Barnes as Ken Rosenthal reported per sources,” Mish tweeted.
Richard Bleier is headed to the Red Sox for Matt Barnes as @Ken_Rosenthal reported per sources.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 30, 2023
Bleier, 35, pitched for the Marlins since 2020. Miami acquired him from the Baltimore Orioles, who he spent four seasons with. He’s posted a career 3.06 ERA over 299.2 innings pitched in seven seasons. Last season, Bleier posted a 3.55 ERA in 50.2 innings pitched.
Barnes, meanwhile, posted a career ERA of 4.07 in 431.2 innings pitched. 2022 was a massive step down from his 2021 campaign when voters selected him as an All-Star. Barnes went 0-4 with a 4.31 ERA in 39.2 innings pitched. He tossed 34 strikeouts but hurled a WHIP of 1.437.
Both teams are hoping for good results out of this bullpen-arm trade. Miami will bank on Barnes returning to form for a club that doesn’t expect to contend in 2023 but could be a lot of fun regardless. The Red Sox need to shore up their bullpen and they found an arm to do it with.
The MLB world reacted to the trade after it occurred.
Matt Barnes has had some real weird ups-and-downs but he's only 32, & he was pretty good post-injury. (1.59 ERA and .590 OPS against in Aug/Sept). For the cost of a few million bucks and a 36-year-old lefty they didn't *really* need, I like Miami taking a shot to see what he is. pic.twitter.com/nowcQNd18X
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) January 30, 2023
I sincerely hope that Matt Barnes absolutely shoves in Miami.
Matt Barnes is a genuinely nice guy and Chaim Bloom’s actions with him have defied reason. Both Barnes and Bloom deserve Barnes to return to his best again this year
— Red Sox Watcher (@WatcherSox) January 30, 2023
Waiting on more info, but this is happening.
Barnes would provide a veteran arm to the bullpen. Down season in 2022 after All-Star 2021.
Remember #Marlins added a bunch of talented relief prospects to 40-man roster this offseason. https://t.co/Yn8javHpiv
— Christina De Nicola (@CDeNicola13) January 30, 2023
I am SHOCKED that someone is taking on Barnes' contract https://t.co/xklvq9ZnLf
— FullCountTommy (@FullCountTommy) January 30, 2023
Barnes has been one of the most volatile relievers in the league the past few years, but if anybody can get him back to his All-Star form, you have to imagine it would be Mel Stottlemyre Jr. https://t.co/zubHyyfln4
— Ethan Budowsky (@ethanbudowsky) January 30, 2023
