Joe Barlow Joins White Sox on Minor-League Contract

The Chicago White Sox continued adding depth bullpen options by signing right-hander Joe Barlow to a minor-league deal. Barlow brings his experience and grit from his days as a big-league closer with the Texas Rangers. He joins a White Sox team that enters the 2024 season with plenty of question marks in their bullpen.

The back of Barlow’s baseball card includes impressive highs and some rather concerning lows. Following a standout debut in 2021 with the Rangers when he notched an impressive 1.55 ERA and 11 saves across 31 appearances, his performance took a downturn in subsequent seasons. Notably, the once formidable closer ended the 2023 season with a combined ERA of 5.52 at the Triple-A level after stints with the Rangers and Kansas City Royals organizations.

Given the overhaul the White Sox' bullpen has seen recently, shipping off notable names like Liam Hendriks, Kendall Graveman, and Aaron Bummer, this type of move makes sense for the South Siders.

Barlow will get a chance to work with Ethan Katz and Brian Bannister this spring and make an impression on his new club as he looks to break camp with the White Sox. At the very least, he could serve as a potential depth piece in Triple-A Charlotte.