Scott Barlow – Cincinnati Reds Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Scott Barlow has carved out a reputation as a reliable bullpen arm in Major League Baseball since his debut. The right-handed reliever currently pitches for the Cincinnati Reds, having signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract for the 2025 season.

This deal gives the Reds a team option for 2026 at $6.5 million, with a $1 million buyout. That setup gives the team some flexibility while offering Barlow a bit of financial security.

People have reported Barlow’s contract numbers inconsistently. Some sources claim his 2025 salary reaches $5.3 million, but official MLB figures confirm the $2.5 million. Over his career, Barlow has built an estimated net worth of about $9.5 million through his contracts.

Barlow’s journey has taken him through several organizations, including a stint with the Cleveland Guardians. There, he reportedly landed a $6.7 million arbitration contract. He’s shown an ability to avoid arbitration and lock in guaranteed money, which says a lot about both his value and his agent’s skills.

The Reds are hoping Barlow’s experience will give their bullpen a boost in 2025.

Early Life and Background

Scott Barlow’s path to professional baseball really started in New London, Connecticut, where he was born on December 18, 1992.

His early environment and education helped shape the focused athlete he would become—a valuable relief pitcher in the big leagues.

Family and Upbringing

Scott Barlow grew up in New London, Connecticut, in a supportive family that encouraged his athletic abilities from a young age.

Details about his family aren’t widely available, but those close to Barlow often mention how much his parents shaped his work ethic and competitive spirit.

Barlow, who teammates and fans call “Scoots McGoots,” spent a lot of his youth in Virginia. The natural landscapes there gave him plenty of chances for outdoor activities.

Those open spaces helped him build the physical stamina that would later serve him on the mound.

His interests as a kid went beyond baseball. He played different sports growing up, which helped him develop coordination, discipline, and teamwork.

Education

Barlow’s education fit right alongside his growing baseball career. He attended high school in Virginia, where he stood out as a promising pitching prospect.

During those years, Scott juggled his classroom work with an increasingly demanding baseball schedule.

He even took courses in natural resources management, showing his interest in the outdoors wasn’t just limited to sports.

Teachers described him as a diligent student who brought the same dedication to school that he did to baseball.

By the time he was a junior and senior, scouts had already taken notice of his talent.

His selection by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th round of the 2011 MLB Draft marked the beginning of his pro journey right after high school.

Professional Career

Scott Barlow has earned a solid reputation as a reliable relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He’s shown his skills through consistent performances, transitions between teams, and clutch moments.

MLB Debut and Early Seasons

Barlow made his Major League Baseball debut with the Kansas City Royals on April 30, 2018.

He didn’t take a straight path to the big leagues. The Dodgers drafted him back in 2011, and he worked his way up through the minors.

During his rookie season, Barlow pitched in just 6 games and posted a 3.60 ERA over 15 innings. He showed flashes of promise, but he still needed some development.

In 2019, Barlow emerged as a valuable bullpen piece for the Royals. He appeared in 71 games, struck out 92 batters over 76.2 innings, and worked alongside teammates like Salvador Perez and Nicky Lopez.

By 2020 and 2021, Barlow had become one of the more dependable relievers in Kansas City’s bullpen. He built chemistry with pitchers like Brady Singer and Kris Bubic.

Notable Performances and Statistics

Barlow’s career really took off in 2021 when he signed a one-year contract worth $650,000 with the Royals.

That season, he became one of the team’s most dependable high-leverage relievers.

In 2022, Barlow took over as the closer for Kansas City. He recorded 24 saves and posted a strong 2.18 ERA.

He’s known for generating strikeouts and limiting hard contact, making him especially valuable late in games.

Key Career Stats:

• K/9 rate consistently above 9.0
• Multiple seasons with ERA under 3.00
• Delivers in high-leverage situations
• Reputation for reliability in close games

Barlow has proven he can get both righties and lefties out, so managers trust him no matter the matchup.

Teams and Relationships

After several solid seasons with Kansas City, the Royals traded Barlow to the Cleveland Guardians in November 2023. Royals executive J.J. Picollo orchestrated the move to reshape the bullpen.

For 2024, Barlow signed with the Cincinnati Reds for $2,500,000, continuing to move his career forward.

His annual salary of $5,300,000 shows how much teams value him now.

Throughout his career, Barlow has built strong working relationships with catchers and fellow pitchers. He learned a lot about pitch selection and handling pressure situations during his time with Salvador Perez in Kansas City.

Barlow’s adaptability stands out—he’s worked with different coaching staffs and teammates, including Andrew Benintendi and Carlos Hernandez, and always found a way to contribute.

Pitching Style and Performance

Scott Barlow has made a name for himself as a reliable reliever with unique mechanics and strong strikeout ability. His pitching combines velocity and deception, which keeps both righties and lefties guessing.

Pitch Arsenal and Fastball Analysis

Barlow’s main weapon is his four-seam fastball, which usually sits between 94-96 mph. He builds his arsenal around this pitch, letting his secondary stuff play up.

His fastball has moderate movement and some ride, especially when he locates it up in the zone.

But it’s his curveball that really sets him apart. It creates a big velocity gap from his fastball and breaks sharply with a 12-6 motion, making hitters swing and miss.

He also throws a slider in the mid-80s, which gives him another tool against right-handed hitters.

In high-leverage spots, Barlow leans on his breaking pitches, especially when he’s ahead in the count. That approach has worked for him with the Royals, Guardians, and now the Reds.

Strikeouts and Strikeout Rate

Barlow’s strikeout numbers have always been a strength. He’s kept a strikeout rate above 9.0 K/9 for most of his career, peaking at 11.2 K/9 in his best years.

Most of his strikeouts come from his breaking pitches, which account for about 60% of his punchouts.

When he needs an out, Barlow often turns to his curveball—especially against lefties.

What’s really impressive is his consistency, no matter the ballpark or situation. Even in hitter-friendly parks, his strikeout numbers don’t really dip.

During the 2023 season, Barlow struck out 66 batters in 63.2 innings, keeping pace with his career averages despite bouncing between teams.

His contract with the Cincinnati Reds shows the team values his ability to get big outs when it matters.

Contract Details and Career Earnings

Scott Barlow has worked through several contracts in his MLB career, and his earnings reflect his steady rise as a dependable reliever.

Recent Contracts and Salary

Barlow’s latest deal is with the Cincinnati Reds—a one-year, $2.5 million contract that includes a team option for 2026.

That option is worth $6.5 million with a $1 million buyout, so the Reds have some choices for the future.

Before Cincinnati, Barlow signed with the Cleveland Guardians on January 11, 2024. He agreed to a one-year deal worth $6.7 million, which helped him avoid arbitration.

His salary has grown steadily, and some sources now list his annual salary at $5.3 million, though there’s some disagreement on the exact numbers.

Free Agency and Club Control

Barlow’s contract path follows the usual MLB pattern. He started out under team control at lower salaries, then saw his pay rise as he hit arbitration.

The club option in his Reds contract is a pretty standard move for teams looking to keep control over valuable relievers. The $1 million buyout gives the Reds a safety net if they don’t want to pick up the $6.5 million option for 2026.

As of May 2025, Barlow’s career earnings have reached about $16.25 million. His net worth sits around $9.55 million, which reflects both his contracts and some smart financial moves.

Barlow’s journey through arbitration and toward eventual free agency really illustrates how successful MLB relievers can gradually gain leverage as they prove their worth.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Scott Barlow has built up solid wealth during his pro baseball career. The numbers vary depending on the source, but it’s clear he’s found financial success.

His main earnings come from MLB contracts, though he’s picked up some extra income elsewhere.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Barlow keeps a pretty low profile when it comes to endorsements. He’s selective, choosing baseball equipment companies and regional brands that fit his image.

Unlike some bigger-name relievers, Barlow prefers quality partnerships over chasing every deal.

These endorsements add to his baseball income but don’t require him to spend a ton of time on promotion or appearances.

That lets him focus on pitching, which seems to be what he cares about most.

As he’s moved from the Dodgers system to the Royals, Guardians, and now the Reds, his marketability has grown along with his reliability as a bullpen arm.

Investments and Philanthropy

Barlow has taken a pretty careful approach to managing his earnings, leaning into conservative investment strategies that aim for long-term security. He seems to favor real estate and traditional market investments, but honestly, he keeps most of the details under wraps.

His net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million as of 2024. Another source puts the number closer to $9.5 million.

Most of this wealth comes from his baseball contracts, especially his current deal with the Cincinnati Reds.

On the philanthropy front, Barlow has shown up for team-organized community events and some charitable efforts. Still, he prefers to keep his personal giving out of the spotlight.

He hasn’t really faced the salary cuts or layoffs that have hit some athletes during tough economic times. Instead, his career earnings have moved upward with each new contract.