Red Sox Reportedly Trade Former All-Star To Marlins For Intriguing Left-Handed Reliever

Boston added a new reliever Monday

The Boston Red Sox swung a trade Monday afternoon.

Boston recently designated longtime reliever and former All-Star Matt Barnes for assignment to make room for outfielder Adam Duvall. Rather than going to waivers, the Red Sox reportedly agreed to deal Barnes to the Miami Marlins on Monday in exchange for intriguing left-handed relief pitcher Richard Bleier, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. 

Matt Barnes is heading to the Marlins in a trade, sources tell @TheAthletic. Designated for assignment by Red Sox last week.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 30, 2023

Barnes was drafted by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of Connecticut and has spent his entire nine-year Major League Baseball career in Boston. The 32-year-old developed into one of Boston's most trusted bullpen arms and even was named an All-Star in 2021. 

The righty dealt with injuries and inconsistent play after being named an All-Star which led to him being designated for assignment, but he certainly will be missed in Boston. Barnes was a prominent member of the 2018 World Series squad and compiled a 0.00 ERA in three appearances as the Red Sox took down the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fall classic. 

Bleier certainly is an interesting option for Boston in exchange for Barnes. The Red Sox have sorely needed a new left-handed relief option with Joely Rodriguez as the lone lefty in the bullpen. Bleier began his MLB career in 2016 with the New York Yankees and in seven seasons has a career ERA of 3.06. The lefty was solid in 2022 with a 3.55 ERA but shined even brighter in 2021 with a 2.95 ERA across 68 appearances. 

There still are other left-handed relievers available in the open market and Boston has connected to many of them, but Bleier immediately fills a need for the Red Sox. 

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