The Oakland Athletics just signed veteran reliever Scott Barlow to a two-year contract. It’s a pretty big move in the free-agent market for them.
This signing shows the A’s are serious about fixing their bullpen. They’ve been trying to get stronger in that area, especially since the AL West isn’t getting any easier.
The deal comes with a team option for a third year. That tells you the front office wants to build a pitching staff that can really support their young, energetic roster.
Scott Barlow: A Proven Asset
Scott Barlow’s been a steady, trustworthy reliever for years now. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done when it matters.
Adding him should bring some much-needed experience and stability to the Athletics’ bullpen. He’s handled high-pressure situations before, and that’s something this team could definitely use.
Career Highlights
Barlow started out with the Kansas City Royals. He made a quick impression there with his strikeout numbers and knack for keeping runs off the board.
He’s kept his ERA and WHIP solid throughout his career. His 2025 season stands out—he posted a sub-3.00 ERA and racked up over 70 strikeouts in just 60 innings.
Impact on the Athletics
The A’s have had a tough time with bullpen depth lately. They’ve leaned on younger arms in big moments, which hasn’t always worked out.
Signing Barlow changes that. He’ll be a late-inning option they can trust, and he might even help mentor the younger pitchers coming up.
Contract Details
Barlow’s contract is for two years and reportedly worth $12 million. There’s also a team option for a third year.
This setup gives the A’s some flexibility. They get a dependable reliever without having to commit for too long.
If Barlow keeps pitching well, the team can keep him around for another year at a set price. That’s a nice bit of security for both sides.
Financial Implications
Financially, this looks like a smart move for Oakland. The annual salary isn’t huge, so it doesn’t tie up a big chunk of their payroll.
That leaves room for them to chase other free agents or make a trade if they need to. With the A’s working on a tighter budget than some rivals, every dollar counts.
Team Option Significance
Including the team option for a third year gives the front office more control. They can see how Barlow performs and decide what’s best down the line.
If he keeps delivering, they don’t have to scramble for bullpen help again next year. It’s a straightforward, practical move.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season
Heading into the new season, the A’s are sending a message: they want to compete. There’s a blend of young talent and veteran presence now, and Barlow’s a big part of that mix.
He’s shown he can handle high-stress innings, which should come in handy as the season grinds on.
Building a Competitive Roster
The A’s haven’t just focused on pitching this offseason. They’ve made other moves to boost their offense and defense, bringing in new faces and promoting from within.
It’s a more well-rounded approach than we’ve seen in some years. Maybe this is the year it all starts to click?
Fan Expectations
With Barlow in the fold, fans finally have a little more to look forward to. The front office has shown they’re willing to spend and shake things up.
Now, it’s just a question of how all these pieces will fit together. Fans will be watching closely, hoping this is the start of a real push back to the postseason.
Conclusion
The Oakland Athletics just signed Scott Barlow, and honestly, it’s a pretty big deal. Their bullpen needed help, and Barlow brings both experience and a steady hand.
The contract looks good, too—nothing wild, but it gives the team some flexibility with that option. Feels like a smart move for a club trying to build something solid for the future.
As the 2026 season creeps up, people will definitely keep an eye on how this plays out. Will Barlow be the missing piece? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Want the official scoop? Check out the announcement on MLB Trade Rumors: Athletics to Sign Scott Barlow.
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