Barraclough dealt to Nationals for international bonus money
On the heels of a disastrous end to the season, the Miami Marlins have parted ways with struggling reliever Kyle Barraclough.
Miami dealt their former closer to the Washington Nationals for an undisclosed amount of international bonus pool money. Barraclough, 28, finished the season 1-6 with a 4.20 ERA and went 10 of 17 in save opportunities.
The Marlins, who have the second-highest total of international money, are considered one of the favorites to land coveted Cuban outfielder Victor Victor Mesa. The 22-year-old free agent, along with his younger brother Victor Jr., held a workout for MLB teams at Marlins Park on Friday. Victor Victor Mesa is rated the No. 1 international free agent by MLB Pipeline.
For Barraclough, it was truly a tale of two seasons. In May and June, the righthander was one of the league’s best relievers. During that stretch, he allowed just one earned run in 232⁄3 innings and was 7 for 7 in save opportunities, earning NL Reliever of the Month honors in June.
Everything fell apart in the second half of the year, though. In the final three months of the season, he allowed 22 earned runs in 192⁄3 innings and blew five saves. Barraclough was removed from his closer role in August after blowing three consecutive saves. In August, the reliever posted a 20.77 ERA in 4 1⁄3 innings.
Three days after being demoted from the closer role, he was placed on the disabled list with lower back stiffness. Barraclough returned soon after, but his struggles continued. In his final 10 appearances, he recorded a 7.50 ERA and blew his one save opportunity.
Barraclough had spent his entire big league career with the Marlins. Then a minor leaguer, Barraclough was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015 for Steve Cishek. He spent four seasons with Miami, notching a 15-12 record with a 3.21 ERA in 227 games. His best full year came in 2015 when he posted a 2.85 ERA in 75 appearances.
In acquiring more bonus pool money, the Marlins appear to be bolstering their position to try to land the Mesa brothers. On Saturday, Miami sent minor league pitcher Ryan Lillie to the Cincinnati Reds for an undisclosed amount bonus pool cash. The Marlins trail the Baltimore Orioles in bonus pool money.
The Mesas are eligible to sign with any respective MLB team immediately. Right-handed pitcher Sandy Gaston — who also hails from Cuba — took part in Friday’s workout as well.