The Cincinnati Reds have added left-handed pitcher to their roster. Barnes most recently played in the KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) in 2025, the top professional league in South Korea, and will be reporting to Triple-A Louisville.
Barnes, who was drafted in the 4th round by the Minnesota Twins in 2017 from Clemson, worked his way through the Twins’ system and made his MLB debut in 2021. Over nine games that season, he posted a 5.92 ERA in 38 innings, walking 16 batters and striking out 20. After the season, he was designated for assignment and went unclaimed, leading the Twins to send him outright to Triple-A.
Five weeks later, the Twins released Barnes, who then signed with the Lotte Giants in the KBO. He pitched there from 2022 to early 2025, enjoying success with ERAs of 3.62, 3.28, and 3.35 across three seasons, making 86 starts. However, in 2025, he struggled with a 5.32 ERA through eight starts, compounded by a shoulder injury, which led to his release.
Now fully healthy, Barnes signed a minor league contract with the Reds, who are dealing with a depth shortage in their farm system due to multiple injuries. The Louisville Bats have cycled through 15 starting pitchers this season, not including those rehabbing or Wade Miley, who wasn’t on a rehab assignment.
It’s unclear whether Barnes will join Louisville’s rotation or bullpen, but if he’s used in relief, he could serve as a valuable multi-inning option. As a left-hander, if he performs well, there’s a chance he could be called up to the major league bullpen later in the season if needed.
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