Red Sox DFA Former All-Star Closer

One season removed from an All-Star year as the closer in the Boston Red Sox bullpen, 32-year-old right-handed reliever Matt Barnes has been designated for assignment to make room for the acquisition of Adalberto Mondesi. 

The Red Sox have DFA’d Matt Barnes, according to @ChrisHenrique.

Wow… Alex Cora was just talking about him as a 7th inning option this weekend. pic.twitter.com/05IGmFluog

— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) January 24, 2023

Barnes missed a large chunk of the 2022 season with shoulder inflammation, but came back for the final two months and posted a 1.59 ERA in that span, but finished the season overall with a 4.31 ERA.

He's due $8.375 M for 2023. 

In 2021, Barnes nailed down 24 saves for the Red Sox through the first four months of the season, and made the All-Star team, before losing his grip on the closer's job. 

His 2022 started off as a disaster, as he had a 7.94 ERA before going on the injured list with the shoulder problem. 

It's likely that some team will be willing to take a chance on Barnes, given his relatively strong performances out of the bullpen through much of his career. 

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports