Coming into the season, former first-round pick Matt Barnes was known as a solid relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who was prone to an implosion every now and then, usually due to walks. His potential had never been questioned, but much of it was untapped.
After a disappointing second half in 2017, he was left off the postseason roster. However, he stepped up this year in a big way, posting a 3.65 ERA to go along with a 2.71 FIP, while striking out 14 per 9 in 61 innings.
Those numbers do not look as impressive as he was this season, largely due to him trying to pitch through a hip injury late in the year.