Reliever Scott Barlow has signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Oakland Athletics for the 2026 season, as reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. The contract also includes $1.3 million in performance bonuses. After a difficult 2023 season and subsequent moves between teams, Barlow will aim to revitalize his career with the Athletics’ bullpen.
Barlow’s career has seen a series of fluctuations recently. After being acquired by the Cleveland Guardians from the San Diego Padres in exchange for reliever Enyel De Los Santos, Barlow struggled to maintain a consistent spot on the roster, eventually being designated for assignment in September 2023. He spent last season with the Cincinnati Reds before reaching agreement with the Athletics.
Barlow’s Recent Performances and Pitching Profile
In 2025, Barlow made a respectable contribution to the Reds’ bullpen, posting a 4.21 ERA over 68 1/3 innings. Despite a persistent issue with free passes, surrendering batters at a 14.9% walk rate, he ranked in the 99th percentile for hard-hit balls against him, which sat at 30.5%. His groundball rate of 44.1% underlined his ability to induce weak contact. Barlow’s pitching repertoire is varied, featuring a sweeper as his primary pitch alongside a fastball, slider, curveball, and sinker.
During the 2024 season, Barlow started as the Guardians’ unofficial setup man behind closer Emmanuel Clase. However, his performance declined sharply after a tough May, where he allowed six runs in just under nine innings. His struggles saw him fall behind younger bullpen options Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis, culminating in his removal from the Guardians’ roster by season’s end.
Transition to Reds and Role with the Athletics
Following his release from Cleveland, the Cincinnati Reds signed Barlow to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, a move that coincided with a resurgence in his pitching velocity after it had dropped nearly two miles per hour during his time with the Guardians. Despite this rebound, the Reds declined Barlow’s $6.5 million team option, opting instead for a $1 million buyout.
Barlow’s new contract with the Athletics places him within a bullpen undergoing changes. Alongside Barlow, the Athletics have added Mark Leiter Jr. to their relief corps. Hogan Harris has been the frontrunner for closing duties after Oakland traded Mason Miller to the Padres at the season’s trade deadline. The bullpen faces unique challenges, including playing home games at a minor league stadium in Sacramento, which could affect performance in critical late-inning situations.
Outlook for Barlow and the Athletics in 2026
Scott Barlow’s signing reflects both the Athletics’ belief in his potential to stabilize their bullpen and their risk tolerance for players seeking a comeback. After regaining some value with the Reds in 2025, Barlow will look to build momentum and improve his consistency with Oakland. The Athletics’ revamped relief staff will need reliable arms to compete, especially given the unusual home game environment and roster shifts.
Barlow’s performance in the upcoming season will be closely watched as a test of his ability to overcome the struggles of recent years and contribute meaningfully to a team striving for a stronger future.
“Free-agent reliever Scott Barlow and the A’s are in agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract that includes $1.3 million in performance bonuses.” — Robert Murray, Sports Reporter
Source: Free-agent reliever Scott Barlow and the A’s are in agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract that includes $1.3 million in performance bonuses.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 6, 2026
