The Indians announced this morning that outfielder Brandon Barnes cleared outright waivers and elected free agency. Cleveland also reinstated Tyler Naquin, Cody Anderson, Nick Goody, James Hoyt, Danny Salazar and Leonys Martin from the 60-day disabled list in a series of procedural moves.
Barnes, 32, went 5-for-19 with a homer in a brief September appearance with Cleveland — his first big league action since the 2016 season. The former Rockies/Astros outfielder is a career .242/.290/.357 hitter in 1274 big league plate appearances and enjoyed a solid season with the Indians’ Triple-A affiliate in 2018 (.273/.347/.447, 14 homers, 19 steals in 132 games).
The right-handed-hitting Barnes has traditionally been a bit more effective against left-handed pitching, as one might expect, and he’s logged considerable experience at all three outfield slots over the course of 14 professional seasons. He’ll likely find a minor league deal in free agency and head to Major League Spring Training as a non-roster invitee in 2019.
They should have kept him around, especially considering their outfield issues. He’s capable of playing all 3 OF positions, and would have been a better choice than Guyer last season.
I would have been a better choice than Guyer last season. But yeah, I had a feeling they’d get rid of him although I think he at least should have gotten a longer leash in the majors — not because of his track record (or lack thereof), but he hit well all season and the Indians’ outfield needed all the help it could get so I was hoping they would have ridden the hot hand.
It’s not as if they gave up on him. Barnes was on a one year deal and the move is essentially to clear a roster spot for the rule 5 draft. Cleveland would be foolish to not invite him back in the spring.
I imagine that there is a good chance the tribe brass reach out with another minor league deal as the offseason winds down.
The Tribe 40 man now sits at 34 (per the MLB website) & a couple of those are fringe guys that could be removed if openings are needed. There are a handful of interesting prospects needing to be added or could be subject to the Rule 5 draft in December..