The Rangers have agreed to re-sign righty Tony Barnette to a one-year deal, according a team announcement. He’ll receive a $1.5MM guarantee, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News (via Twitter).
Texas had previously declined a $4MM option on Barnette, paying him a $250K buyout and putting him back onto the open market. He had played for the prior two seasons with the Rangers after signing with the club following a lengthy stint in Japan.
Barnette, 34, excelled in his first MLB campaign in 2016. (He had never touched the majors before going to Japan in 2010.) Over 60 1/3 innings, he worked to a 2.09 ERA with 7.3 K/9 against 2.4 BB/9.
Things turned south, however, in 2017. He boosted his K rate to 8.9 per nine, along with his swinging-strike rate (from 11.5% to 13.0%). But Barnette also allowed 3.5 free passes per regulation game and saw his ERA skyrocket to 5.49.
In the end, the relationship will continue. The 34-year-old Barnette will help boost the depth of the Texas bullpen, much as recent signee Doug Fister will for the rotation. While that has been a priority, the Rangers likely still have interest in some higher-end additions for both sides of the pitching staff.
He is Ok for the BP Reasonable Price
Toy Story 2 was Ok!
Nah Toy Story 2 really sucked lol
Toy Story 2 was awesome!!!
Tony Barnett the writer or swimsuit model?
He was the waterboy in the bullpen
Hopefully he cuts his hair. Now that the Party at Napoli’s is over for good, it’s time to look professional instead of like homeless hippies.
He cut his hair short towards the end of the season this year.
It’s just hair. Maybe a suit and tie on the field to give it that professional look on the mound.
Or maybe he could pitch better. I’m fine with his mediocrity, personally.
I like this move. He had a down year but definitely worth another chance to right the ship