Report: Tribe signs OF Barnes to Minors deal
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CLEVELAND -- The Indians added another layer of outfield depth on Monday, reportedly agreeing to a Minor League contract with outfielder Brandon Barnes. The Tribe also lost pitchers Kyle Crockett and Dylan Baker on waiver claims.
The deal for Barnes was reported by SB Nation and will likely be officially announced by the team later this week, pending a physical. Once official, the outfielder will join Cleveland's list of non-roster Spring Training invitees, which includes pitchers Jeff Beliveau and Leonel Campos and infielder Drew Maggi.
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Barnes, 31, appeared in 465 games between stints with the Astros and Rockies across the 2012-16 seasons, but he spent last year with Triple-A New Orleans in the Marlins' system. In 109 Minor League games in 2017, Barnes hit .276 with 11 home runs, 22 doubles, 49 RBIs, 55 runs and a .751 OPS, while playing mostly center. The right-handed hitter turned in a .325/.393/.463 slash line against left-handed pitching.
For his career, Barnes has batted .242/.289/.356 in the big leagues and has experience at all three outfield positions.
Crockett and Baker were claimed off waivers by the Reds and Brewers, respectively. Cleveland designated both pitchers for assignment on Nov. 20 to help clear room on the 40-man roster for a handful of players. The Tribe's roster is currently at capacity.