If closer Scott Barlow becomes available, the Blue Jays should be all over that.

As you may know, the Royals signed left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman around a week ago. That could mean that their closer, Barlow, could become available. Furthermore, USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale noted that more moves could be coming.

The Kansas City #Royals have been busy on the trade market, and still have a couple of more deals they are lining up now. Stay tuned.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 24, 2023

That begs the question, why should the Jays be all over Barlow?
Scott Barlow could be that high-leverage reliever the Jays need:
In 2022, Barlow posted a career-best 2.18 ERA and a 3.62 FIP in 74.1 innings pitched. He also had a 26.6 K% and a 7.6 BB%. That may not seem remarkable, but with closers, there’s one more important statistic. This past season, Barlow had 28 save opportunities, and converted 24 of them, which is an 85.7% mark. The 30-year-old right-handed pitcher also had six holds.
The closer role is Jordan Romano’s, it will always be Jordan Romano’s until he falters… if he does. However, Barlow is an elite medium-leverage reliever, as he allowed just two earned runs in 24.1 innings pitched for a 0.74 ERA (also a 2.74 FIP) per Fangraphs.
Furthermore, if the Jays need him in high leverage, he posted a solid 3.20 ERA and a 3.84 FIP in 25.1 innings pitched of high leverage. For comparison, Romano had a 3.31 ERA and 2.90 FIP in 32.2 innings of high-leverage pitching.
Scott Barlow pitches well against left-handed batters:
There’s been a lot of conversation about the Jays adding a second left-handed reliever for the bullpen, as Cam Lewis’ latest article details. However, Barlow fits t …

Read More

Author: Brennan Delaney / Blue Jays Nation