Signed during the heart of the Major League Baseball lockout prior to last season, Kyle Barraclough joined the Los Angeles Angels Minor League system with the hope of making his way back to the Major League level.
The Santa Clara native had bounced around a few teams since being traded from the Miami Marlins to the Washington Nationals in 2019, and since then has spent time in the San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins organizations. The once consistent Barraclough had taken a step back, and signing with the Angels was another crack at finding his groove.
Beginning the year with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, Barraclough was needed early on last season after a few injuries created some holes on the Angels’ active roster. After 4.1 scoreless innings in the minors, he was called up prior to their May 7 matchup with the Nationals, tossing two shutout frames allowing just one hit.
Although he would pitch well for the Angels, 3.00 ERA over nine innings, his command and velocity left a lot to be desired. The 32-year-old was designated for assignment on June 27 to clear up a 40-man roster spot for Dillon Thomas, who was claimed off waivers from the Houston Astros.
Kyle Barraclough 2022 highlight
His May 17 performance against the Texas Rangers was his best performance of the season, striking out the side, and allowing just one hit. His scoreless frame extended his streak of no-runs allowed to six innings, which was much-needed for the Angels bullpen and how decimated they were during the 2022 season.
2023 outlook
With a downward trend in the past few seasons, Barraclough’s diminished stuff and lack of production likely will hold him off from a guaranteed deal. However, if he wants to pitch on a big league roster this upcoming season, a Minor League prove it deal is the most likely avenue.
Barraclough remains unsigned following the new year, but with Spring Training approaching, the chance of a deal will increase with teams searching for camp bodies and guys hoping to join a system.
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