Marlins land Barnes in trade with Red Sox

*Photo from the New Haven Register*

   This is one of those player for player baseball trades. The Miami Marlins have acquired RHP Matt Barnes and cash considerations from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for LHP Richard Bleier, according to Craig Mish of SportsGrid. Both teams have confirmed the trade.

   Boston is sending approximately $5 million to the Marlins to cover Barnes' salary for 2023. He is due to make $7.5 million in 2023 and has an $8 million team option for 2024 that has a $2.25 million buyout. Barnes had previously been DFA'd by the Red Sox to make room for Adam Duvall.

   Asked about the transition, Barnes said that "Everybody was awesome. Super excited to have me, and I'm obviously very excited to be there. Just kind of talked through some of the logistical stuff, kind of what they saw on their end. They were looking for somebody who had experience winning, experience throwing at the back end of a bullpen. They were super excited. So like I said, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to come down to Miami and do anything I can to help this team win really."

   Last season was a struggle for Barnes, although he did end the season well. Barnes ended the year with a 1.44 WHIP, 4.31 ERA, and 3.87 FIP, picking up 8 saves in 44 relief appearances, throwing 39 2/3 innings for the Red Sox.

   The 2021 season was one of Barnes's best. He became the full time closer and had a 24 save season, earning an All Star Game selection. Once the second half started, it was all downhill, with Barnes failing to make the postseason roster in 2021. That carried over into 2022, but after a two month stint on the IL due to right shoulder inflammation, Barnes had a 1.59 ERA in his final 24 appearances.

   Coming back to the Red Sox is Bleier, who is a finesse pitcher who doesn't miss a lot of bats, but induces plenty of weak contact. Bleier does best against lefty hitters, with lefties hitting just .256 against him. Bleier's contract has a $3.75 million team option for the 2024 season, with a $250,000 buyout.

   Last season was Bleier's second full year with the Marlins and 3rd overall. Bleier ended the season with a 3.55 ERA, 3.27 FIP, and 1.44 WHIP, getting one save while throwing 50 2/3 innings in one start and 54 relief appearances for the Marlins.

   In the Marlins bullpen, Barnes will serve as high leverage depth with the ability to close games alongside Tanner Scott, Dylan Floro, and new acquisition JT Chargois. Bleier joins Joely Rodriguez as the only lefties in the Red Sox bullpen, with Bleier likely to be a middle reliever.