| Joe Barlow | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Barlow with theOmaha Storm Chasers in 2023 | |
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1995-09-28)September 28, 1995 (age 30) Riverton, Utah, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| June 24, 2021, for the Texas Rangers | |
| MLB statistics (through 2023 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 4–4 |
| Earned run average | 3.05 |
| Strikeouts | 61 |
| Saves | 24 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Joseph Israel Barlow (born September 28, 1995) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher who is a free agent.
Barlow grew up in a household with eleven siblings, and attendedRiverton High School inRiverton, Utah.[1][2] He attendedSalt Lake Community College inSalt Lake City, Utah and playedcollege baseball for them in 2015 and 2016.[3] During his freshman season, Barlow was a catcher and hit just .202 with zero home runs and 13 RBI. In his sophomore season, Barlow appeared at pitcher and catcher. Hitting .208 with 14 RBI. In 13 games pitched (7 starts) Barlow went 3–3 with a 2.12 ERA and 51 strikeouts over46+2⁄3 innings pitched.[4] TheTexas Rangers selected Barlow in the eleventh round, with the 339th overall selection, of the2016 MLB draft. He signed with them for a $85,000signing bonus.[5][6]
After signing, Barlow converted to full–time pitching and was assigned to theAZL Rangers of theRookie-levelArizona League to make his professional debut; in32+2⁄3 innings pitched for them, he posted a 2–4 record with a 4.41 ERA. He split the 2017 season between extended spring training and theSpokane Indians of theLow-ANorthwest League, producing a 6–1 record with a 2.00 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 45 innings. In 2018, Barlow spent the full season with theHickory Crawdads of theSingle-ASouth Atlantic League, producing a 3–3 record with a 1.68 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 59 innings. After the 2018 regular season, Barlow played for theSurprise Saguaros of theArizona Fall League.[7][8] Barlow was assigned to theDown East Wood Ducks of theHigh-ACarolina League to open the 2019 season.[9] He went 4–0 with a 0.38 ERA and 44 strikeouts in23+2⁄3 innings for them. On May 29, he was promoted to theFrisco RoughRiders of theDouble-ATexas League,[10][11] and went 1–1 with a 1.18 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 16 innings for them. On July 15, he was promoted to theNashville Sounds of theTriple-APacific Coast League,[12] and went 1–1 with a 8.83 ERA in17+1⁄3 innings.[13] Barlow did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season because of theCOVID-19 pandemic. Barlow opened the 2021 season with theRound Rock Express of theTriple-A West, going 0–1 with a 2.57 ERA and 29 strikeouts over 21 innings.[14]
On June 23, 2021, Texas selected Barlow's contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.[15] He made his MLB debut the next day, pitching a scoreless inning against theOakland Athletics. In the game, he also notched his first career strikeout, punching out A's infielderJed Lowrie.[16] Barlow set a Rangers franchise record on August 2, becoming the first pitcher to record eight straight strikeouts of opposing batters faced.[17] Barlow served as the Rangers closer to finish the 2021 season. In 2021, he posted a 0–2 record with a 1.55 ERA, 27 strikeouts, and 11 saves over 29 innings.[18] He was named the Rangers September/October Pitcher of the Month.[19]
Barlow spent time as the Texas closer in 2022, but ultimately lost the role due to ineffectiveness and injury.[20] With Texas in 2022, he posted a 3–1 record with a 3.86 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and 13 saves over 35 innings.[21] Following the season, on November 4, 2022, Barlow underwent surgery to separate a pair of fused tendons in his right wrist.[22]
Barlow was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to begin the 2023 season.[23] In 13 games for the Rangers, he registered a 4.66 ERA with 6 strikeouts in9+2⁄3 innings pitched. On July 30, He wasdesignated for assignment.[24]
On August 4, 2023, Barlow was claimed on waivers by theKansas City Royals.[25] He struggled to a 9.24 ERA in 7 games for the Triple–AOmaha Storm Chasers prior to being designated for assignment on September 1.[26] Barlow cleared waivers and was sent outright to Omaha on September 3.[27] He elected free agency following the season on November 6.[28]
On January 12, 2024, Barlow signed a minor league contract with theChicago White Sox.[29] While playing for the Triple–ACharlotte Knights on June 16, Barlow was part of a seven–pitcherno-hitter against theDurham Bulls.[30] In 12 appearances for Charlotte, he struggled to a 10.03 ERA with 14 strikeouts across11+2⁄3 innings pitched. Barlow was released by the White Sox organization on July 12.[31]
On February 16, 2025, Barlow signed a minor league contract with theTexas Rangers organization.[32] He elected free agency on November 6.[33]