All-Star Pitcher Felt 'Blindsided' When Red Sox Designated Him For Assignment
The Boston Red Sox shocked fans and media alike when they designated All-Star right-handed reliever Matt Barnes for assignment last week.
As it turns out, the 32-year-old was just as surprised. Days later, he was shipped off to the Miami Marlins in exchange for left-hander Richard Bleier and cash considerations.
Barnes' whole world was shifted upside down after spending his entire 12-year career in the Red Sox organization.
In his introductory press conference with the Marlins, Barnes gave some insight into what he deemed a "bittersweet" transition.
The longtime Red Sox hurler told reporters that he was "blindsided" when the club designated him for assignment according to Boston Sports Journal's Sean McAdam.
Barnes was far from the top of the list of most-likely designations. He posted a 4.31 ERA with a 34-to-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio and .240 batting average against in 39 2/3 innings last season.
Nothing to write home about, but he was far from the worst reliever left on the 40-man roster. That title would go to Ryan Brasier -- who somehow has lasted through the ongoing massive roster overhaul. Kaleb Ort would not be far behind -- and made it over Barnes for reasons unknown.
On top of performance evaluation, Barnes was also a much harder player to move. The veteran is owed $8.375 million with a club option for 2024 that included a $2.25 million buyout.
However, Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom decided to designate and then trade Barnes along with over $5 million for a 35-year-old southpaw instead of just getting rid of Brasier or Ort.
It was a questionable move -- one that Barnes should not have seen coming. He's the latest longstanding member of the organization to be turned away in a disrespectful fashion.
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