The Royals traded Barnett, Will Klein and Jared Dickey to Oakland on Tuesday in exchange for Lucas Erceg, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
A third-round draft pick in 2022, Barnett has spent all of 2024 with the Royals' Double-A affiliate, making 18 appearances (17 starts) with a 4.21 ERA and a 105:35 K:BB across 87.2 innings. The right-hander figures to report to the Athletics' Double-A affiliate.
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Royals' Mason Barnett: Strong showing at Double-A
Rotowire
Barnett logged a 3.58 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 43 strikeouts and a 50 percent groundball rate in 32.2 innings (seven starts) for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Among the college pitchers the Royals have drafted in recent years, Barnett had the best statistical season while splitting time between High-A and Double-A. A burly 6-foot righty who turns 23 in November, Barnett leans heavily on his mid-90s fastball and mid-80s slider. He built up to 114.2 innings this year, so he won't face any workload restrictions in 2024 while having a chance to pitch his way to the majors.
