Jacob Barnes

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Jacob Barnes

|image = Jacob Barnes (240618-A-ZV876-2802) (cropped).jpg

|caption = Barnes with the Washington Nationals in 2024

|width =

|team = Toronto Blue Jays

|number =

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|4|14}}

|birth_place = St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = June 3

|debutyear = 2016

|debutteam = Milwaukee Brewers

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = April 19, 2025

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 16–21

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 4.79

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 322

|awards =

|teams =

Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2016}}–{{mlby|2019}})
Kansas City Royals ({{mlby|2019}})
Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2020}})
New York Mets ({{mlby|2021}})
Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2021}})
Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2022}})
New York Yankees ({{mlby|2022}})
St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2023}})
Washington Nationals ({{mlby|2024}})
Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2025}})

}}

Jacob Andrew Barnes (born April 14, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Washington Nationals. He made his MLB debut in 2016.

Career

=Amateur career=

Barnes graduated from St. Petersburg High School. He enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University and played college baseball for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. In 2011, his junior year, he had a 1–4 win–loss record with a 4.58 earned run average (ERA) in 55 innings pitched. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 14th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft{{cite web|url=https://www.naplesnews.com/sports/mlb/mlb-locals-fgcus-jacob-barnes-signs-with-brewers-ep-391476865-342894252.html?d=mobile|title=MLB Locals: FGCU's Jacob Barnes signs with Brewers|work=Naples News|access-date=February 13, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.naplesnews.com/sports/mlb/minor-league-baseball-former-fgcu-pitcher-jacob-barnes-thriving-in-brewers-system-ep-1184134431-337547311.html|title=Minor-league baseball: Former FGCU pitcher Jacob Barnes thriving in Brewers' system|work=Naples News|access-date=February 13, 2016}} and he signed.

=Milwaukee Brewers=

After signing, Barnes made his professional debut with the Helena Brewers where he was 2–1 with a 2.12 ERA in 29{{fraction|2|3}} relief innings pitched. In 2012, he played for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers where he pitched to a 4–7 record and a 3.84 ERA in 25 games (seven starts), and in 2013, he pitched with the Brevard County Manatees where he was 9–6 with a 3.08 ERA in 21 games (14 starts). Barnes began 2014 with Brevard County, and after compiling a 1.23 ERA in 7{{fraction|1|3}} innings, he was promoted to the Huntsville Stars and he finished the season there with a 2–6 record and 4.26 ERA in 23 games (21 being starts). In 2015, he pitched for the Biloxi Shuckers where he compiled a 4–5 record and a 3.36 ERA in 39 games including six starts.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=606930#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALL|title=Jacob Barnes Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=MiLB.com|access-date=June 24, 2018}}

The Brewers added Barnes to their 40-man roster after the 2015 season.{{cite web|url=http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/157818968/brewers-protect-orlando-arcia-for-rule-5-draft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121135729/http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/157818968/brewers-protect-orlando-arcia-for-rule-5-draft|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 21, 2015|title=Brewers protect Orlando Arcia for Rule 5 Draft|work=MLB.com|access-date=February 13, 2016}} He began 2016 with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

After posting a 1.21 ERA over 17 games for the Sky Sox, the Brewers promoted Barnes to the major leagues on June 2, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/brewers-call-up-comes-after-roller-coaster-year-for-jacob-barnes-b99736890z1-381736261.html|title=Brewers call-up comes after roller-coaster year for Jacob Barnes|first=Todd|last=Rosiak|work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=June 2, 2016|access-date=July 9, 2016}} He made his major league debut the next day, and spent the remainder of the season with Milwaukee. In 26{{fraction|2|3}} innings pitched in relief, he was 0–1 with a 2.70 ERA. In 2017, Barnes returned to Milwaukee and posted a 3–4 record and a 4.00 ERA in 73 relief appearances in his first full major league season.

Barnes returned to Milwaukee's bullpen to begin 2018. However, after pitching to a 12.00 ERA in his first four outings in May, he was optioned to Colorado Springs on May 12.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2018/05/12/brewers-option-reliever-jacob-barnes-minors-summon-alec-asher/595646002/|title = Needing relief, the Brewers call up righty Alec Asher and option Jacob Barnes to minors}} He was recalled on May 27.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2018/05/27/reliever-jacob-barnes-recalled-class-aaa-colorado-springs/648335002/|title=Brewers recall reliever Jacob Barnes from Class AAA Colorado Springs|first=Todd|last=Rosiak|website=Journal Sentinel|accessdate=February 4, 2024}}

File:Jacob Barnes (47847624422) (cropped).jpg

On August 1, 2019, Barnes was designated for assignment after posting an ERA of 6.86 in {{frac|19|2|3}} innings.

=Kansas City Royals=

On August 3, 2019, Barnes was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals. Barnes was designated for assignment on November 4 and was released on November 6.

=Los Angeles Angels=

On January 22, 2020, Barnes signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels. On July 23, 2020, Barnes had his contract selected to the 40-man and active rosters. He pitched to a 5.50 ERA over 18 games for the Angels in 2020.

=New York Mets=

On October 30, 2020, Barnes was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets. In 19 appearances for the Mets, Barnes struggled to a 6.27 ERA in 18{{fraction|2|3}} innings of work before being designated for assignment on June 14, 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/mets-dfa-jacob-barnes.html|title = Mets Designate Jacob Barnes for Assignment| date=June 14, 2021 }}

=Toronto Blue Jays=

On June 19, 2021, Barnes was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Troy Miller.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/blue-jays-acquire-jacob-barnes-from-mets-for-troy-miller.html|title = Blue Jays Acquire Jacob Barnes from Mets for Troy Miller| date=June 19, 2021 }} Barnes was designated for assignment by Toronto on July 26 after posting a 6.00 ERA in 9 appearances with the team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/blue-jays-jacob-barnes-dfad-by-blue-jays/|title = Blue Jays' Jacob Barnes: DFA'd by Blue Jays| date=July 26, 2021 }} On August 2, Barnes was outrighted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/jacob-barnes-606930|title = Jacob Barnes Stats, Fantasy & News|website = MLB.com}} On September 29, Barnes was re-selected to the 40-man roster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/toronto-blue-jays-jacob-barnes-anthony-castro-1.1700082|title = Jays select RHP Barnes, option Castro – TSN.ca|date = September 29, 2021}} Barnes was again designated for assignment on October 20,{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/blue-jays-jacob-barnes-designated-for-assignment/|title = Blue Jays' Jacob Barnes: Designated for assignment| date=October 20, 2021 }} and elected free agency two days later.

=Detroit Tigers=

On December 1, 2021, the Detroit Tigers signed Barnes to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2021/12/tigers-sign-2-veteran-pitchers-to-minor-league-deals.html|title=Tigers sign 2 veteran pitchers to minor-league deals|last=Woodbery|first=Evan|website=MLive.com|date=December 1, 2021|access-date=December 2, 2021}} After initially being sent to minor league camp during spring training, Barnes was called back to the major league camp and made the opening day roster.{{Cite web |title=Packed for Toledo, Barnes does 180 back to Tigers camp |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jacob-barnes-returns-to-tigers-big-league-spring-camp |access-date=April 26, 2022 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Tigers' Jacob Barnes: Claims bullpen job |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/tigers-jacob-barnes-claims-bullpen-job/ |access-date=April 26, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |date=April 5, 2022 |language=en}} On June 13, 2022, the Tigers designated Barnes for assignment.{{Cite web |title=Tigers Designate Jacob Barnes For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/06/tigers-designate-jacob-barnes-for-assignment.html |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=June 13, 2022 |language=en-US}} He was released by the Tigers on June 18, 2022.{{Cite web |title=Jacob Barnes: Released by Tigers |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/jacob-barnes-released-by-tigers/ |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |date=June 18, 2022 |language=en}}

= Seattle Mariners =

On June 22, 2022, the Seattle Mariners signed Barnes to a minor league contract.{{Cite web |title=Mariners, Jacob Barnes Agree To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/06/mariners-jacob-barnes-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=June 22, 2022 |language=en-US}} He was promoted to the major league roster on July 9. He was designated for assignment on July 11 without appearing in a game for Seattle. He cleared waivers and elected free agency on July 18.

= Detroit Tigers (second stint) =

On July 26, 2022, the Detroit Tigers signed Barnes to a minor league contract.{{Cite web |title=Tigers Sign Daniel Norris, Jacob Barnes To Minor League Deals |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/07/tigers-sign-daniel-norris-jacob-barnes-to-minor-league-deals.html |access-date=July 26, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=July 26, 2022 |language=en-US}} He was then assigned to the Toledo Mud Hens. He was given his release on August 26.

= New York Yankees =

On August 31, 2022, the New York Yankees signed Barnes to a minor league contract.{{Cite web |title=Yankees Sign Chi Chi Gonzalez, Jacob Barnes To Minor League Deals |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/08/yankees-sign-chi-chi-gonzalez-jacob-barnes-to-minor-league-deals.html |access-date=August 31, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=August 30, 2022 |language=en-US}} He pitched for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The Yankees promoted Barnes to the major leagues on October 1.{{cite tweet|user=Yankees|number=1576231221729710081

|title=Prior to today's game, the Yankees made the following roster moves}} {{better source|date=February 2024}} He was designated for assignment the next day and outrighted back the RailRiders on October 4.{{Cite web |title=Yankees Select Chi Chi González, Designate Jacob Barnes |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/10/yankees-select-chi-chi-gonzalez-designate-jacob-barnes.html |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=October 2, 2022 |language=en-US}} On October 24, Barnes elected free agency.

=Texas Rangers=

On January 18, 2023, Barnes signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization.{{Cite web|title=Rangers' Jacob Barnes: Signs NRI deal with Texas|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-jacob-barnes-signs-nri-with-texas/|access-date=January 18, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=January 18, 2023 |language=en}} He made 13 appearances for the Triple-A Round Rock Express, working to a 2.21 ERA with 17 strikeouts and 1 save in 20{{fraction|1|3}} innings of work. Barnes was released by the Rangers on May 21.{{Cite web|title=Jacob Barnes: Cut by Texas|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/jacob-barnes-cut-by-texas/|access-date=May 30, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 22, 2023 |language=en}}

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On May 30, 2023, Barnes signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization.{{Cite web|title=Phillies' Jacob Barnes: Inks minors deal with Philly|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-jacob-barnes-inks-minors-deal-with-philly/amp/|access-date=May 30, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 11 games for the Triple–A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, he posted a 4.15 ERA with 12 strikeouts and 1 save in 13 innings of work. On July 10, Barnes was released by Philadelphia.{{Cite web|title=Jacob Barnes: Released by Phillies|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/jacob-barnes-released-by-phillies/|access-date=July 19, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=July 12, 2023 |language=en}}

=St. Louis Cardinals=

On July 19, 2023, Barnes signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals organization.{{Cite web|title=Cardinals' Jacob Barnes: Lands with Cards|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-jacob-barnes-lands-with-cards/|access-date=July 19, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 11 games for the Triple–A Memphis Redbirds, he posted a 1.53 ERA with 16 strikeouts in {{fraction|17|2|3}} innings pitched. On August 22, the Cardinals selected Barnes' contract, adding him to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Cardinals place Liberatore on 15-day IL, select RHP Jacob Barnes from Memphis|url=https://www.ballysports.com/news/amp/st-louis-cardinals-place-matthew-liberatore-il-select-jacob-barnes|access-date=August 23, 2023|website=ballysports.com|language=en}}

In 13 games for St. Louis, he recorded a 5.93 ERA with 18 hits and 8 strikeouts in {{fraction|13|2|3}} innings pitched. Following the season on October 30, Barnes was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Triple–A Memphis. However, Barnes subsequently rejected the assignment and elected free agency.{{Cite web|title=Pair Of Cardinals Veterans Elect Free Agency Effectively Ending Time With Organization|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/cardinals/news/pair-of-cardinals-veterans-elect-free-agency-effectively-ending-time-with-organization-pat3|access-date=October 31, 2023|website=si.com|date=October 31, 2023 |language=en}}

=Washington Nationals=

On February 16, 2024, Barnes signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/nationals-sign-jacob-barnes-reliever.html|title=Nationals, Jacob Barnes Agree To Minor League Deal|date=February 16, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}} After seven scoreless appearances for the Triple–A Rochester Red Wings, Barnes was added to Washington's major league roster on April 23.{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Darragh |date=April 23, 2024 |title=Nationals Select Jacob Barnes, Designate Jake Alu |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/nationals-select-jacob-barnes-designate-jake-alu.html |access-date=June 28, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} In 63 appearances for Washington, Barnes compiled an 8-3 record and 4.36 ERA with 55 strikeouts across 66 innings pitched.

=Toronto Blue Jays (second stint)=

On February 17, 2025, Barnes signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.{{Cite web|title=Blue Jays Sign Jacob Barnes To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/blue-jays-sign-jacob-barnes-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=February 17, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} On March 27, the Blue Jays selected Barnes' contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster.{{Cite web|title=Blue Jays DFA Zach Pop, Tommy Nance, Nick Robertson|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/blue-jays-dfa-zach-pop-tommy-nance-nick-robertson.html|access-date=March 27, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} In 6 appearances for Toronto, he struggled to an 0-1 record and 9.00 ERA with 5 strikeouts over 8 innings of work. Barnes was designated for assignment following the promotion of Paxton Schultz on April 20.{{Cite web|title=Blue Jays Place Nick Sandlin On Injured List, Select Paxton Schultz|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/04/blue-jays-place-nick-sandlin-on-injured-list-select-paxton-schultz.html|access-date=April 20, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He elected free agency after clearing waivers on April 22.{{Cite web|title=Jacob Barnes Elects Free Agency|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/04/jacob-barnes-elects-free-agency-2.html|access-date=April 22, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} On April 26, Barnes re-signed with the Blue Jays on a minor league contract.https://www.milb.com/transactions/2025-04-26

Personal life

Barnes is married to his wife, Sophia, and the couple has two children: Lily and Maisy.{{cite web |title=Jacob Barnes Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/jacob-barnes-606930 |website=MLB.com |access-date=June 17, 2024 |language=en}} Maisy was born on May 13, 2016.{{cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BFXSE5ptPIX/ |website=www.instagram.com}} Lily Isabella was born on July 29, 2022.{{cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgp9HjPOazb/?img_index=1 |website=www.instagram.com |access-date=June 17, 2024}}