Barraclough loses arbitration case

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

February 08, 2019, 6:04am

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Kyle Barraclough lost his arbitration case against the Nationals, a panel of three independent judges ruling the recently acquired reliever will earn $1.725 million this season instead of the $2 million he sought.

Barraclough and the Nationals presented their respective cases before the panel Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla., the second and final member of the roster to go to a hearing this month. Michael A. Taylor also lost his case last week, with the arbitrators deciding his salary will be $3.25 million instead of $3.5 million.

Having gone the previous three years without taking any players to arbitration, the Nationals wrapped up this winter's process a perfect 2-0 in their hearings.

Acquired from the Marlins in October in exchange for international slot bonus money, Barraclough is expected to hold a setup role in the Nationals' opening day bullpen.

The 28-year-old owned a 3.21 ERA in four seasons with Miami and was enjoying a dominant first-half run in 2018 before faltering midsummer after he was thrust into the closer's role. He finished with a 4.20 ERA and 10 saves in 17 opportunities.

Arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter, Barraclough made $1.113 million last season.