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Joe Barlow

Joseph Israel Barlow (born September 28, 1995) is an American former pitcher who last played in the ' minor league system. Barlow, a right-handed reliever from , attended before being selected by the Rangers in the 11th round (339th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft. He progressed through the Rangers' farm system and made his debut on June 24, 2021, appearing in 31 games that season with a 1.55 . Over the next two years, he established himself as a key bullpen option for , recording 13 saves in 2022 and contributing to the team's championship run before being and claimed off waivers by the in August. After spending time in the Royals' organization and signing a minor league contract with the in January 2024, Barlow became a and re-signed with the Rangers on a minor league contract in February 2025, where he pitched for Triple-A affiliates Frisco and Round Rock during the 2025 season before being granted free agency on November 6, 2025.

Amateur career

High school career

Barlow attended Riverton High School in , where he developed his early skills. He earned All-State recognition as a senior in 2014. During his high school years, Barlow played multiple positions, including , right-handed , and outfielder. He possessed a 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame that was young, slender, and athletic. Following high school, he continued his baseball development at .

College career

Joe Barlow attended in , , from 2015 to 2016, where he played for the Bruins. As a in 2015, Barlow primarily served as a , but he transitioned into a during his year in 2016, starting at on days he did not . In that season, Barlow excelled on the mound, compiling a 3-3 record with a 2.12 and 51 strikeouts across 46.2 in 13 appearances, including seven starts. His performance featured a that reached 96 and limited opponents to just 24 hits, contributing to the team's 3rd-place finish in the Scenic West Athletic Conference. Barlow earned Second-Team All-Region 18 honors following the season. Barlow's versatility as a two-way talent, combining solid catching with effective pitching, drew attention from MLB scouts and positioned him as a promising prospect entering the 2016 .

Professional career

Texas Rangers organization (2016–2023)

Joe Barlow was selected by the in the 11th round (339th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of , where he had played as a , and signed for an $85,000 bonus. Following the signing, the Rangers converted Barlow to a full-time , assigning him to the Rookie-level Arizona League Rangers for his professional debut that summer. Barlow progressed steadily through the Rangers' system, beginning with the short-season Class A in 2017, where he posted a 2.00 over 45 . In 2018, he advanced to the Class A , recording a 1.68 and 91 strikeouts in 59 . The following year, 2019, saw Barlow reach High Class A with the (0.38 in 23.2 ) before promotions to Double-A (1.13 in 16 ) and Triple-A (8.83 in 17.1 ). He did not appear in games during the shortened 2020 season due to the . Barlow returned in 2021 at Triple-A (2.57 in 21 ), with brief stints at Frisco and Round Rock in 2022 and Round Rock in 2023 (4.21 in 25.2 ). Barlow made his major league debut with the Rangers on June 24, 2021, against the Los Angeles Angels. In his rookie season, he appeared in 31 games, compiling a 0-2 record with a 1.55 , 27 strikeouts in 29 innings, and 11 saves. Notable highlights included setting a franchise record with eight consecutive strikeouts across five appearances, culminating on August 2 against the Angels, and earning Rangers Pitcher of the Month honors for September/October. In 2022, Barlow solidified his role as the Rangers' primary closer, going 3-1 with a 3.86 , 28 strikeouts in 35 innings, and 13 saves over 35 appearances. He underwent minor arthroscopic surgery on November 4 to separate fused tendons in his right , a procedure expected to allow a full recovery for . Barlow's 2023 season was limited to 13 major league games with the Rangers, where he posted a 1-1 record and 4.66 in 9.2 innings, before being on July 30. Through his time with the Rangers from 2021 to 2023, Barlow accumulated a 4-4 record, 3.05 , 61 strikeouts in 73.2 innings, and 24 saves in 79 appearances, all of his experience to that point.

Kansas City Royals (2023)

On August 4, 2023, the claimed right-handed pitcher Joe Barlow off waivers from the , who had designated him for assignment earlier that summer. He was immediately optioned to the Royals' Triple-A affiliate, the , where he aimed to regain form in the . Barlow appeared in seven games for Omaha, primarily in , but struggled significantly with command and effectiveness. Over 12⅔ , he recorded a 9.24 , allowing 19 hits and issuing six walks while striking out 10 batters, contributing to a 2.53 . His tenure with the proved short-lived, as he was on September 1, 2023, to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Following the period, Barlow elected free agency on November 6, 2023, ending his brief affiliation with Kansas City.

Chicago White Sox (2024)

Following his time with the Kansas City Royals organization in 2023, Joe Barlow signed a minor league contract with the as a on January 12, 2024. He was assigned to the White Sox's Triple-A affiliate, the , on January 15, 2024. Barlow made 12 relief appearances for the Knights in the , recording a 10.03 over 11.2 with 14 strikeouts and eight walks. A highlight came on June 16, 2024, when he participated in the Knights' historic combined against the —the first seven-pitcher in history—by retiring the side in order on seven pitches during his 0.2 innings of work. Barlow was placed on the in late March due to a issue but returned on June 5, 2024, before the White Sox released him from his contract on July 12, 2024.

Texas Rangers organization (2025)

On February 16, 2025, the signed right-handed pitcher Joe Barlow to a contract that included an invitation to . This agreement represented a brief return to the organization where Barlow had spent much of his early professional career from 2016 to 2023. Following , he was assigned to the Rangers' Double-A affiliate, the , before moving to Triple-A Round Rock Express on March 28, 2025, and returning to Frisco on April 13, 2025. Barlow spent the 2025 season splitting time between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock in the Rangers' system without advancing to the Major Leagues. On November 6, 2025, he elected free agency, thereby becoming an unrestricted . After briefly signing with the of the Mexican Pacific League for their 2025-26 season, Barlow departed the team on November 18, 2025, for personal reasons. As of November 19, 2025, Barlow remains a available to sign with any team.

References

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    Fullname: Joseph Israel Barlow · Born: 9/28/1995 in Riverton, UT · Draft: 2016, Texas Rangers, Round: 11, Overall Pick: 339 · College: Salt Lake CC, Salt Lake CC, ...
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    Impact Barlow has been solid in 11 minor-league appearances this year, posting a 2.63 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 15 strikeouts through 13.2 innings. His strong 2023 ...
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    • Did not see game action in 2020 after Minor League ... Joe Barlow (0-1, 3.60). --. 19-12. 2nd. -1.5. 6,760. 2 ... Frisco RoughRiders (AA). Ibáñez, Andy. 5/21 ...
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    Aug 4, 2023 · The Royals announced Friday they've claimed right-hander Joe Barlow off waivers from the Rangers. He's been optioned to Triple-A Omaha.Missing: DFA | Show results with:DFA
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