Athletics Sign Veteran Reliever Scott Barlow to One-Year Deal

Barlow brings high-strikeout, ground ball profile to bolster Oakland's bullpen

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Oakland Athletics have agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with right-handed reliever Scott Barlow, with an additional $1.3 million available in performance bonuses. Barlow, 33, represents a growing trend in MLB of specialized relievers who excel in specific areas like limiting hard contact and inducing ground balls, despite sometimes struggling with walks.

Why it matters

This move signals the Athletics' continued emphasis on bullpen construction through veteran additions, even as the team focuses on developing young position players. Barlow's profile - high strikeout rate, ground ball tendencies - makes him a valuable asset in high-leverage situations as teams prioritize relievers with distinct skillsets to strategically deploy based on game situations.

The details

Over the past three seasons with the Royals, Padres, Guardians and Reds, Barlow has pitched 191 1/3 innings, accumulating 16 saves and 42 holds. He consistently ranks in the 90th percentile or higher in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate, while maintaining a 44.1% ground ball rate. However, Barlow does walk a significant number of batters (13% of batters faced), though he also strikes out a high percentage (26.3%).

  • The Athletics agreed to the one-year deal with Barlow on February 6, 2026.

The players

Scott Barlow

A 33-year-old right-handed reliever who has pitched for four different MLB teams over the past three seasons.

Oakland Athletics

A Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California, that has focused on bullpen construction through veteran additions while developing young position players.

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What’s next

The Athletics will need to make a corresponding roster move to officially add Barlow to their 40-man roster.

The takeaway

The Athletics' acquisition of Scott Barlow highlights the growing trend in MLB of prioritizing specialized relievers with distinct skillsets, like the ability to limit hard contact and induce ground balls, as teams look to strategically deploy their bullpen based on game situations and opposing lineups.