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Kansas City Royals Sign Veteran Reliever Scott Barlow to Minor-League Deal
The Kansas City Royals returned to the familiar sight of veteran right‑hander Scott Barlow on Thursday, signing him to a minor‑league contract that marks a homecoming for the pitcher who debuted with the club in 2018.
Barlow, a Warner Sports Management client, was released by the Oakland Athletics earlier in the week, giving the Royals an opportunity to re‑add a pitcher who has spent six seasons in Kansas City’s bullpen.
During his time with the Royals, Barlow carved out a niche as a relief specialist. Between 2021 and 2022 he recorded 40 saves and 20 holds, while posting a 2.30 earned‑run average over 140 ⅔ innings. His ability to strike out nearly 30 percent of the batters he faced and keep walks under 9 percent made him a reliable option out of the long‑haul.
After a trade to the San Diego Padres in 2023, Barlow went on to pitch for the Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds and the Athletics before his release. In 2026 he appeared in 33 ⅓ innings for Oakland, compiling a 6.48 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. He struck out 29 batters to 19 walks, but his walk rate climbed to 12.5 percent overall, 15.1 percent at home and 9.1 percent on the road. While he allowed six home runs in 15 ⅔ innings at the Athletics’ temporary home sites, he posted a 1.02 ERA over 17 ⅓ road innings.
Kansas City’s bullpen has struggled this season, registering a 5.40 ERA that is the worst in the American League and only slightly better than the Minnesota Twins’ 5.37. Key relievers have been uneven: Carlos Estevez has pitched just a third of an inning and has been on the injured list since March; Lucas Erceg is 5.23 with 12 saves and six blown opportunities; Matt Strahm sits at 5.53. In contrast, Daniel Lynch IV and John Schreiber have provided steadier outings, but the overall weakness has contributed to the team’s 35‑52 record, the league’s worst.
The terms of the new deal are straightforward. The Royals will pay Barlow only the prorated league minimum for any time he spends on the major‑league roster. The Athletics remain responsible for the remainder of his $2 million base salary and the $1.3 million in incentives that were forfeited when he was released. The arrangement gives Kansas City a low‑risk option to evaluate whether Barlow’s veteran presence can stabilize a bullpen that has been one of the weakest in baseball.
Barlow will be monitored in spring training and during the early part of the season. If he demonstrates effectiveness in the majors, he could become a valuable depth piece for the remainder of the year and a potential trade asset in the offseason. The Royals’ current standing leaves little room for a turnaround, but the addition of a familiar arm may help the team compete for the remaining 32 games.
At present, the Royals are focused on keeping their bullpen as healthy and effective as possible while hoping that Barlow’s experience can provide a steady hand. The minor‑league deal keeps the option open without committing a major‑league roster spot, and the organization will decide in the coming weeks whether his return will help the club close the season on a more competitive note.
Barlow, a Warner Sports Management client, was released by the Oakland Athletics earlier in the week, giving the Royals an opportunity to re‑add a pitcher who has spent six seasons in Kansas City’s bullpen.
During his time with the Royals, Barlow carved out a niche as a relief specialist. Between 2021 and 2022 he recorded 40 saves and 20 holds, while posting a 2.30 earned‑run average over 140 ⅔ innings. His ability to strike out nearly 30 percent of the batters he faced and keep walks under 9 percent made him a reliable option out of the long‑haul.
After a trade to the San Diego Padres in 2023, Barlow went on to pitch for the Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds and the Athletics before his release. In 2026 he appeared in 33 ⅓ innings for Oakland, compiling a 6.48 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. He struck out 29 batters to 19 walks, but his walk rate climbed to 12.5 percent overall, 15.1 percent at home and 9.1 percent on the road. While he allowed six home runs in 15 ⅔ innings at the Athletics’ temporary home sites, he posted a 1.02 ERA over 17 ⅓ road innings.
Kansas City’s bullpen has struggled this season, registering a 5.40 ERA that is the worst in the American League and only slightly better than the Minnesota Twins’ 5.37. Key relievers have been uneven: Carlos Estevez has pitched just a third of an inning and has been on the injured list since March; Lucas Erceg is 5.23 with 12 saves and six blown opportunities; Matt Strahm sits at 5.53. In contrast, Daniel Lynch IV and John Schreiber have provided steadier outings, but the overall weakness has contributed to the team’s 35‑52 record, the league’s worst.
The terms of the new deal are straightforward. The Royals will pay Barlow only the prorated league minimum for any time he spends on the major‑league roster. The Athletics remain responsible for the remainder of his $2 million base salary and the $1.3 million in incentives that were forfeited when he was released. The arrangement gives Kansas City a low‑risk option to evaluate whether Barlow’s veteran presence can stabilize a bullpen that has been one of the weakest in baseball.
Barlow will be monitored in spring training and during the early part of the season. If he demonstrates effectiveness in the majors, he could become a valuable depth piece for the remainder of the year and a potential trade asset in the offseason. The Royals’ current standing leaves little room for a turnaround, but the addition of a familiar arm may help the team compete for the remaining 32 games.
At present, the Royals are focused on keeping their bullpen as healthy and effective as possible while hoping that Barlow’s experience can provide a steady hand. The minor‑league deal keeps the option open without committing a major‑league roster spot, and the organization will decide in the coming weeks whether his return will help the club close the season on a more competitive note.
