Former Rangers Closer Signs With White Sox

A former Texas Rangers reliever has signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox, per the MLB transaction page.

Joe Barlow, who spent 2021-23 with the Rangers, left the organization on July 30 after he was designated for assignment.

The Kansas City Royals claimed Barlow off waivers in early August and optioned him to Triple-A Omaha. The Royals designated him for assignment on Sept. 1, later re-signed him, and then sent him back to Triple-A. He became a free agent in November.

The White Sox have assigned Barlow to their Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte.

In 2021, Barlow emerged as the Rangers’ closer after Ian Kennedy was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at midseason. Barlow had 11 saves in 12 chances that season and went 0-2 with a 1.55 ERA. He struck out 27 in 29 innings.

Barlow started the 2022 season as the Rangers’ closer and saved 13 games in 17 chances, but his ERA went up to 3.86. He battled blisters in the season’s second half and made two trips to the 15-day injured list. By September, José Leclerc had re-emerged as a closer option.

Barlow struggled to find a role in a revamped bullpen under first-year manager Bruce Bochy in 2023. His performance was the worst of his career — a 4.66 ERA in 13 games. Barlow didn’t start the season with the Rangers and was called up from Triple-A Round Rock on May 16 before an illness put him back on the injured list.

The Rangers optioned Barlow to Round Rock for the final time on July 6, less than a month ahead of being designated for assignment.