Aaron Barrett Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Aaron James Barrett
Born 01/02/1988 in Evansville, IN
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Mississippi
Debut 03/31/2014
Drafted in the 9th round (266th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2010 (signed for $35,000).

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Barrett improved over his sophomore season, when the junior-college transfer bombed. He works primarily off two pitches, an 88-91 mph fastball that in the past has touched 94, and a slider with above-average potential at 79-82 mph. Barrett throws a lot of sliders and profiles as a reliever in pro ball.

Top Rankings

Drafted three times prior to signing with the Nationals in 2010, Barrett ranked as a top-200 draft prospect as a Wabash Valley (Ill.) CC sophomore in 2008 but elected to attend Mississippi instead of signing. His stock dropped somewhat over two seasons in Oxford, as he struggled with his command, but the Nationals took Barrett in the ninth round in 2010 as a money-saving senior sign, inking him for $35,000. He spent his senior year as a starter, but he has found a home in the bullpen in pro ball. He ranked second in the Double-A Eastern League with 26 saves in 2013, and the Nationals added him to the 40-man roster in November. Barrett's calling card is his wipeout slider, an 85-86 mph offering with sharp, late three-quarters tilt. The pitch rates as a 65 or 70 on the 20-80 scale. He also has developed fringy to average command of his 92-94 mph fastball despite a violent delivery, which adds some deception. Barrett's ultra-aggressive, competitive mentality is a good fit for the bullpen, but he needs to harness his emotions and do a little less barking at hitters. He lacks big-time upside, but he is just about big league-ready as a middle reliever or set-up candidate. He will compete for a major league job in spring training.