Boston Red Sox Report Cards: Right-Handed Pitcher Matt Barnes

BoSox Injection’s grades for the Boston Red Sox during the 2018 season continues, this time with right-handed relief pitcher Matt Barnes.

Coming into the season, former first-round pick Matt Barnes was known as a solid relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who was prone to an implosion every now and then, usually due to walks. His potential had never been questioned, but much of it was untapped.

After a disappointing second half in 2017, he was left off the postseason roster. However, he stepped up this year in a big way, posting a 3.65 ERA to go along with a 2.71 FIP, while striking out 14 per 9 in 61 innings.

Those numbers do not look as impressive as he was this season, largely due to him trying to pitch through a hip injury late in the year. As of August 26th, he had a 2.89 ERA with a 2.38 FIP. While pitching through the injury he struggled on August 28th, allowing 4 runs in a third of an inning, including 2 home runs, which was a telling sign he was not healthy, considering he had allowed just 3 home runs all season before that outing.

With Craig Kimbrel having a bit of a down year, and the bullpen lacking that setup presence once Carson Smith got hurt, Barnes was everything the Red Sox needed. Barnes set career bests in K/9, LOB%, K/BB, ERA, and FIP. He also allowed a career-low hard contact %. His pitch usage changed too, throwing his curveball more than ever and his fastball less.

Postseason:

Healthy again, Barnes was back to normal. With questions about their bullpen swirling around, Barnes was the shutdown guy the Red Sox needed. He threw 8.2 innings in the postseason and allowed just 1 run. Alex Cora often he used him in the highest leverage spot outside of the 9th, with him being their best reliever not named Craig Kimbrel. He was one of the unsung heroes of the playoffs, doing the dirty work in tough spots throughout the playoffs. It is fair to say the Red Sox do not have nearly as easy of a path to the World Series without Matt Barnes.

Grade

Although his stats can be a bit deceiving, Barnes was fantastic this regular season and in the postseason. He was a key part of the Red Sox team and was better than Craig Kimbrel for a majority of the year.

Looking ahead to 2019

With Kimbrel a free agent, Barnes is in a very interesting spot. If the Red Sox do not want to give Kimbrel a massive contract, which will likely be what it takes to bring him back, Barnes will likely be the closer. Dave Dombrowski mentioned Barnes and Ryan Brasier as the two guys who could potentially replace Kimbrel if he does decide to walk.

Barnes is under control for 3 more seasons and could solve the closer hole for those years. Overall, Barnes is a nice piece that the Red Sox have control of and can help this team for years to come. Whether or not the Red Sox re-sign Kimbrel, Barnes figures to be a big contributor in 2019.