Wednesday, the Washington Nationals began their offseason maneuvering by trading an undisclosed amount of International Bonus dollars to Miami in exchange for RHP Kyle Barraclough.  Due to penalties from previous years, Washington was barred from signed any international player for more than $300,000 this year, while Miami has been eagerly gobbling up these funds in an attempt to sign top prospect Victor Victor Mesa.  Washington’s bullpen struggled in 2018 and the Nationals’ hope Barraclough can help solidify their relief corps next season.

The 28-year-old Barraclough had a subpar 2018, providing Miami with a 4.20 ERA in 55.2 innings pitched, allowing 40 hits, 34 walks and 8 home runs against 60 strikeouts.  These numbers do not tell the full story, as Barraclough was a monster in the first half, allowing only a .124/.254/.217 batting line in 42.1 innings, before limping to a .361/.486/.667 in the second half.  He was placed on the disabled list in early August with a shoulder impingement, perhaps explaining his dreadful late-season performance.

During his 4-year major league career, Barraclough has pitched 218.2 innings for Miami with a 3.21 ERA, 11 saves and 279 strikeouts.  He has always struggled limiting his walks with a career 5.5 BB/9 ratio.  This is the main knock on Barraclough, otherwise, he has a career 11.5 K/9 ratio and limits both his hits and home runs allowed.  He attacks hitters with a mid-90s fastball and a nasty slider, along with the occasional changeup.  Barraclough is first-time arbitration eligible this winter and is under contract through 2021.
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Before I declare this trade to be a clear “Win” for Washington, we must keep in mind Barraclough is coming off a nightmarish second half and spent time on the disabled list for a shoulder issue.  In addition and perhaps correlated, Barraclough’s fastball velocity dropped more than 1mph in 2018, while his home runs allowed spiked.  Certainly an offseason to rest and recover could allow him to return to form in 2019, but Barraclough has more risk involved with him than his reputation suggests.

Overall this trade makes sense for both teams, as what they each received is far more valuable than what they traded away – Miami urgently needs international dollars and they have consistently traded relievers when they reach arbitration.  Conversely, international dollars are not especially valuable to Washington at present, so using them to acquire a player at a position of need is brilliant.  Washington desperately needs to rebuild their relief corps and despite the risks, Barraclough is a savvy gamble for the Nationals.

NatsGM Overall Grade ->             B+