Washington Nationals Sign Former Closer & World Series Champ

The Washington Nationals have added some All-Star and World Series experience to the back end of their bullpen, signing former Boston Red Sox closer and high-leverage reliever Matt Barnes.

The #Nationals have agreed to terms with free-agent RHP Matt Barnes, per @MarkZuckerman pic.twitter.com/es0WuMRF7t

— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) February 27, 2024

It's a minor league deal for Barnes, following an injury-shortened season with the Miami Marlins last year due to a significant hip injury. He had arrived in South Beach last January after being DFA'd by the Red Sox and then traded a week later to the Fish.

Barnes only managed to pitch 21 innings in Miami, none since June 1st, and it wasn't pretty when he did, with a 5.48 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP. He was forced to throw for some scouts recently in order to scare up interest from a team in giving him a shot. It's paid off with this opportunity from the Nats.

Washington's bullpen is currently headed up by the likes of Kyle Finnegan, Hunter Harvey, Tanner Rainey and Dylan Floro. Barnes now joins a slew of other relievers on minor league contracts trying to join that crew: Richard Bleier, Derek Law, Robert Gsellman, Luis Perdomo and Jacob Barnes.

In 10 big league seasons, the 33-year-old Barnes owns a career 4.13 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 47 saves. He earned a World Series ring with the Red Sox in 2018, and made his one All-Star appearance in 2021. 

Photo: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports