Former Boston Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Sunday, bringing an end to an 11-year career highlighted by a World Series title and an All-Star selection.
Barnes shared the news in an emotional post on his personal Instagram account, thanking his family, teammates, coaches and fans who supported him throughout his career. The 36-year-old last appeared in the majors with the Washington Nationals in 2024.
Barnes spent the majority of his career with the Red Sox after debuting in 2014. He became a key late-inning reliever during Boston's 2018 World Series championship season and later earned his first All-Star selection in 2021 after taking over the closer's role.
Barnes finishes his career with 467 appearances, a 33-30 record, a 4.21 ERA, 47 saves and 586 strikeouts across 466⅓ innings. His 467 relief appearances rank third in Red Sox franchise history, cementing his place among the club's most durable bullpen arms.
Injuries over the final three seasons slowed his career. Shoulder inflammation limited him in 2022 before he was traded to the Miami Marlins. A hip injury required season-ending surgery in 2023, and after a brief stint with the Nationals in 2024, he did not return to the major leagues.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Monday, Aug. 10
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Monday, Aug. 10
Barnes leaves behind one of the more accomplished relief careers in recent Red Sox history. His contributions during Boston's 2018 championship run and his All-Star campaign three years later remain defining moments of his time with the organization.
As the Red Sox continue their 2026 postseason push, Barnes' retirement closes the chapter on another member of the franchise's championship core, ending a career that spanned more than a decade in the major leagues.
