The Rockies have released outfielder Brandon Barnes, SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo tweets. They had outrighted him early last month after David Dahl’s arrival in the big leagues made him expendable.
Barnes would have been eligible for free agency following the season unless the Rockies had again added him to their 40-man roster, at which point he would have become eligible for arbitration. It’s little surprise, then, that they’re willing to part ways with him.
The 30-year-old Barnes has been useful in the past due to his ability to play solid defense at all three outfield positions, but his career seems to have hit a wall of late. He batted a meager .220/.250/.320 in 109 plate appearances this season, well below his career mark of .242/.289/.356. He also wasn’t terribly impressive in the good hitting environment of Triple-A Albuquerque, batting .282/.323/.416 in 255 plate appearances there this year.
Take a flyer on him, Giants. Dude is solid
He grew up blocks away from Angels stadium…… Take a flyer on him
Angel fans……
Dude lives close to stadium… Sign him! Typical.
Dude hits .220. Not good, but ‘well below’ his career .242? With 109 plate appearances we’re talking TWO hits difference….. Must be other reasons….. Age? Dahl? Can’t imagine the performance drop at big leagues is a good reason with 109 ABs….