Barnes, 33, pitched for the Red Sox from 2014-22. He won the 2018 World Series with them and then became their full-time closer, making the AL All-Star team in 2021. Last season for the Miami Marlins though, Barnes posted a 5.48 ERA over 24 relief appearances before he underwent hip surgery that ended his year in July.
While the Nationals are mostly set with Kyle Finnegan as their closer and Hunter Harvey as their setup man (both of whom are righties as well), it never hurts to add more depth. Earlier this winter, Washington also signed another well-known ex-AL East player.
The Washington Nationals are taking a chance on a former Boston Red Sox All-Star.
After some speculation about a possible deal, the Washington Nationals reportedly are signing former Red Sox All-Star Matt Barnes to a minor league deal, according to MASNsports.com’s Mark Zuckerman.
“Still searching for more experienced bullpen help, the Nationals have agreed to a minor league contract with former Red Sox closer Matt Barnes, according to a source familiar with the deal,” Zuckerman said. “Barnes, who still needs to pass a physical before his signing is official, will become the latest veteran reliever to join the Nats’ major league camp on a non-guaranteed deal, hoping to seize one of a couple of open spots in the Opening Day bullpen.
