Jacob Barnes

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #22 prospect in 2017
  While many pitching prospects struggled in the hitter-friendly conditions at Triple-A Colorado Springs, Barnes prospered in 2016. That's because a pitcher with a devastating sinker with great movement and a sharp-breaking slider can succeed at high altitude by inducing ground balls and piling up strikeouts. Barnes recorded a 1.21 ERA in 17 relief appearances, forcing the Brewers to call him up in early June. He went on the disabled list in late July with an elbow issue and did not return until September, but he made a favorable impression. Barnes sits in the mid-90s with his fastball while reaching 97 mph at times. He also relies on a high-80s cutter, the pitch that allowed him to elevate his game. Barnes uses a sharp-breaking slider in the mid-80s effectively against righthanded batters when ahead in the count. He is a bulldog type with great lower body strength who throws strikes consistently enough to be used in high-leverage situations. Barnes flourished after moving to the bullpen at Double-A Biloxi in 2015. He gained the confidence of Brewers manager Craig Counsell in 2016 and will be a member of the bullpen in 2017.