PT TOMORROW: AL East—Barnes a bargain in BOS bullpen?
Dec 27 2018
While their stance may change as the free agent signing period continues, the Red Sox thus far have stuck to the plan of not paying up to retain closer Craig Kimbrel (RHP, FA) or sign a replacement.
If Boston enters the season without a major addition, the leading in-house candidate to get the ball in the ninth inning is most likely Matt Barnes (RHP, BOS). As noted in the 2019 Baseball Forecaster, the one chink in Barnes’ armor is his control, which a consistent sub-60% FpK throughout his career suggests that will not improve anytime soon.
Otherwise, Barnes has a highly desirable combination of high strikeout and ground ball rates that could put the Forecaster’s upside projection of 30 saves within reach.
If not Barnes,...
Almost!
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