Johnny Barbato

John Edward Barbato

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 185 lb.
• High School Felix Varela High School
• Debut April 5, 2016
• Final Game June 22, 2018
• Born July 11, 1992 in Miami, FL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Johnny Barbato was picked in the 6th round of the 2010 amateur draft by the San Diego Padres out of high school in Miami, FL. He made his pro debut the following season, with the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League, going 1-4, 4.89 in 15 games as a starting pitcher. In 2012, he had a good season as a reliever for the Fort Wayne Wizards of the Midwest League with a record of 6-1, 1.84 and 3 saves in 48 outings. He struck out 84 in 73 1/3 innings. In 2013, he moved up to the Lake Elsinore Storm of the strong-hitting California League but saw his ERA balloon to 5.01 in 49 games, including 7 starts; his record was only 3-6, but he did record 14 saves. In 2014, Barbato pitched in Double A for the first time, with the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League. He was limited to 27 outings, all in relief, but got things back on track with an ERA of 2.87 and 16 saves to go along with a 2-2 record. On December 29, he was traded to the New York Yankees in return for established major league reliever Shawn Kelley.

Barbato made his big league debut for the Yankees on April 5, 2016. He spent the year on the Triple A shuttle, with 13 big league appearances to a 7.62 ERA. He was designated for assignment in the early going of the 2017 season and claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, for whom he posted a 4.08 ERA in 24 appearances (28 2/3 innings) out of the bullpen. Once again DFAed, he spent most of 2018 with the Detroit Tigers, electing free agency in November. In 2019, he suited up with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball, going 2-2 with a 5.63 ERA in 15 games and also spending time in the Japanese minors.

Barbato moved to the coaching ranks as Development coach of the ACL Brewers in 2023.

Related Sites

• Johnny Barbato on mlb.com
• BR Minors page