4 Miami Marlins free agents and their chances of coming back

3. RP MATT BARNES

Matt Barnes had a very unevn career to this point. He was constantly seen as a potential relief ace with the Boston Red Sox due to his strikeout rate, but just could never get it done. The 2017 and 2018 seasons specifically made him look like a future closer. In 2017 he produced a 3.88 ERA/3.33 FIP, with 10.7 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9. He then produced a very promising 2018 season, producing a 3.65 ERA/2.71 FIP, with 14.0 K/9 and 4.5 BB/9.

It was clear based on his strikeout rates and FIP's that he was close to being an elite reliever. All that he needed to do was improve his walk rate. He finally got the chance to close in 2019, but he was unable to deliver. He produced a 3.78 ERA/3.28 FIP, with 15.4 K/9 and an atrocious 5.3 BB/9.

From 2020 to 2022, he produced a 4.07 ERA/3.75 FIP, with 11.4 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9. The Miami Marlins acquired him for the 2023 season, but he barely pitched due to injury. He ultimately produced a 5.48 ERA/4.15 FIP, with 8.4 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9. He's going to be looking for a 1 year reclamation deal for a couple $ million. The Miami Marlins won't be giving that to him.

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