The San Diego Padres 2023 season was one to forget, but that didn't stop the team from upgrading themselves at the trade deadline. They brought in a few players that they believed would help in their long-shot playoff quest, but it didn't work out.
Relief pitcher Scott Barlow was among the players that San Diego acquired at the trade deadline, and he served them well down the stretch. But it now seems that the team is looking into possibly upgrading the bullpen, with Barlow out of the plans.
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan is reporting that the Padres are looking to move Barlow this offseason. They are actively trying to move him before the non-tender deadline on Friday, November 17.
“San Diego is actively trying to move Barlow ahead of the Friday non-tender deadline. While he was very good in 25 appearances for the Padres after his trade from Kansas City, Barlow's stuff has regressed. and the estimated $6 million he is owed in arbitration could be prohibitive.”
It's a little hard to imagine him being non-tendered, but the Padres are looking to shed salary. This is one way for them to do it, while also getting something back in return.
Barlow could be a serviceable bullpen arm for some team, and the Padres could get off his salary for next season. He was decent during his time in San Diego, posting an ERA of 3.07 over 25 games with the team
The veteran spent his entire career as a member of the Kansas City Royals before being traded to the Padres, and he was one of the better late-game options in 2021 and 2022. His stuff regressed this past year, but there is still hope for him moving forward.
This is a situation to keep monitoring, and we will see if he is ultimately moved before the non-tender deadline. San Diego has a ton of questions to answer about their roster, and this could be the first in a long line of moves.
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