Kansas City Royals DFA Former MLB Closer

The Kansas City Royals traded their closer Scott Barlow at the trade deadline, but soon after that move, had themselves another Barlow in Joe, who they claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers. 

Joe Barlow had a nice first two years of his career in Texas, compiling 24 saves in 2021 and 2022 as a part-time closer and a combined ERA in the mid-2.00s. But he's been a mess this season and was sent down to Triple-A by KC right after they claimed him. From there, he proceeded to surrender 13 earned runs in 12.1 innings for Omaha, and now the Royals have designated him for assignment. 

DFA'D: #Royals have designated RHP Joe Barlow for assignment.

— MLB Transaction Tracker (@MLBMovesTracker) September 1, 2023

In 2021, his rookie campaign, Barlow registered a stingy 1.55 ERA, which escalated to 3.86 in 2022, and ballooned to 4.66 this season. He also struck out a measly 5.6 batters per nine innings in '23. 

He was the Rangers' closer as recently as late June 2022, so it's possible the 27-year-old could still recapture his stuff. It'll be interesting to see if any team puts in a waiver claim, or signs him to a minor league deal if he clears waivers. 

Photo: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports