Red Sox sign closer Matt Barnes to contract extension
On Sunday morning, the Boston Red Sox announced a contract extension for closer Matt Barnes, who is in the middle of what has been a career year.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Matt Barnes #32 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out Seth Brown #15 of the Oakland Athletics to end the game at RingCentral Coliseum on July 04, 2021 in Oakland, California. The Red Sox won the game 1-0. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesOn Sunday morning, the Boston Red Sox announced a contract extension for closer Matt Barnes, who is in the middle of what has been a career year. The 31-year-old was previously scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Barnes' new contract is worth $18.75 over two years starting in 2022, with an $8 million club option for 2024, per The Globe's Alex Speier. Based on current contracts, the deal would make Barnes the sixth-highest paid closer in baseball next season.
2021 has been a breakout year for Barnes, who is in his first full season as the team's closer. He's recorded 19 saves with a 2.68 ERA, and was named to his first All-Star game.
The Red Sox drafted Barnes in the first round in 2011 out of UConn. In eight major league seasons, he's appeared in 362 games, the eighth-most by a pitcher in team history. In that time, he's posted a 30-23 record with a 3.94 ERA over 374.1 innings.
With Barnes' extension in place, the Red Sox have five players set to be unrestricted free agents this offseason. Included in that group are starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, and setup man Adam Ottavino.
