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Matt Barnes 2022 Player Outlook: Aiming To Reclaim Boston's Closer Role
3 years agoBoston Red Sox pitcher Matt Barnes was one of the best closers in baseball over the first half of 2021, converting 19-of-23 save chances with a 2.61 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a 63:11 K: BB over 38 innings. After his impressive first half, he was rewarded with a two-year extension. However, the wheels came off in the second half as the right-hander struggled mightily, posting a 6.48 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, and 2.2 HR:9 over his last 16 2/3 frames, ultimately losing the closer role. Barnes lost an MPH off his fastball, saw his WHIP nearly double, and surrendered a .269 batting average to opposing hitters in the second half. He was left off the ALCS roster due to his late-season swoon. Boston has yet to announce who will be the team's primary closer and is not expected to name one until just before the start of the regular season. The 31-year-old is the favorite to reclaim his old role in some capacity, and ATC projections are on board with this assessment. ATC projects Barnes with a 3.78 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, nine holds, and 18 saves in 2022. If Barnes can reclaim the closer role and come close to his first-half numbers in 2021, he could be a bargain at his current 229 ADP.
