Matt Barnes

The Miami Marlins agreed to acquire Matt Barnes from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Richard Bleier according to Ken Rosenthal.

Fantasy Impact

Barnes is coming off a disappointing 2022 campaign with the Red Sox that saw the right-handed post a less than optimal 1.44 WHIP and 1.62 K/BB ratio in 44 relief appearances last season. The Marlins will hope the veteran can rediscover his 2021 form and be a key bullpen arm in the late innings in 2023.

The Boston Red Sox have designated relief pitcher Matt Barnes for assignment.

Fantasy Impact

Barnes was designated for assignment to make room for the newly-signed Adam Duvall, a somewhat surprising choice given his track record and $7.5 million salary for 2023. Barnes has saved games for the Red Sox in each of the last four seasons and is coming off a decent 4.31 ERA/3.87 FIP in 2022, albeit with a weak 7.4% K-BB%, by far a career-worst. Barnes shouldn't have much trouble finding a new team given his career 4.07 ER/3.60 FIP and 29.9% K%, although a potential trade remains a possibility.

Matt Barnes delivered a scoreless ninth inning while closing out the Rays on Wednesday. Boston ultimately defeated Tampa Bay by a score of 6-3 in the season finale.

Fantasy Impact

2022 was a tale of two halves for Barnes. After a shaky start, he bounced back after the All-Star Break, posting a 1.59 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and .226 OBA along with 7.94 K/9, 3.57 BB/9, and eight saves.

Matt Barnes allowed one hit while delivering a scoreless ninth inning against the Rays on Monday evening. He earned the save as Boston ultimately defeated Tampa Bay by a score of 4-3.

Fantasy Impact

Barnes has looked brilliant in the second half this season, amassing a 1.66 ERA, 8.31 K/9, and 3.74 BB/9 while going 5-for-6 in save situations. He should see more work as a closer in 2023 now that he has re-gained his footing with the Sox.

Matt Barnes allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one batter during the ninth inning of Wednesday's game against the Orioles. He earned the save as Boston ultimately defeated Baltimore by a score of 3-1.

Fantasy Impact

Barnes faltered in the early half of the season but has come on strong after the All-Star Break, amassing a 1.74 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and .234 OBA along with 8.71 K/9 and 3.92 BB/9 over the course of his last 22 outings. In total, he has gone 6-for-8 in save situations this season. The right-hander will look to build on hiss 9 1/3 consecutive innings of scoreless baseball in the coming days.