Drafted in the 14th round (431st overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
While many pitching prospects struggled in the hitter-friendly conditions at Triple-A Colorado Springs, Barnes prospered in 2016. That's because a pitcher with a devastating sinker with great movement and a sharp-breaking slider can succeed at high altitude by inducing ground balls and piling up strikeouts. Barnes recorded a 1.21 ERA in 17 relief appearances, forcing the Brewers to call him up in early June. He went on the disabled list in late July with an elbow issue and did not return until September, but he made a favorable impression. Barnes sits in the mid-90s with his fastball while reaching 97 mph at times. He also relies on a high-80s cutter, the pitch that allowed him to elevate his game. Barnes uses a sharp-breaking slider in the mid-80s effectively against righthanded batters when ahead in the count. He is a bulldog type with great lower body strength who throws strikes consistently enough to be used in high-leverage situations. Barnes flourished after moving to the bullpen at Double-A Biloxi in 2015. He gained the confidence of Brewers manager Craig Counsell in 2016 and will be a member of the bullpen in 2017.
Career Transactions
RHP Jacob Barnes elected free agency.
Washington Nationals selected the contract of RHP Jacob Barnes from Rochester Red Wings.
Washington Nationals activated RHP Jacob Barnes.
RHP Jacob Barnes assigned to Rochester Red Wings.
Washington Nationals signed free agent RHP Jacob Barnes to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
Memphis Redbirds signed RHP Jacob Barnes.
RHP Jacob Barnes assigned to St. Louis Cardinals.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs released RHP Jacob Barnes.
RHP Jacob Barnes assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Philadelphia Phillies signed free agent RHP Jacob Barnes to a minor league contract.
Round Rock Express released RHP Jacob Barnes.
RHP Jacob Barnes and assigned to Texas Rangers.
Texas Rangers signed free agent RHP Jacob Barnes to a minor league contract.
Round Rock Express activated RHP Jacob Barnes.
RHP Jacob Barnes assigned to Round Rock Express.
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