Meet Scott Barlow: MLB’s Most Reliable Unsung Reliever
Scott Barlow’s journey from the Dodgers' draft to the Reds' bullpen is full of ups and downs. Learn how he built a strong MLB career with resilience.
Jul 19, 202529 Shares28.6K Views
Scott Allan Barlow was born on December 18, 1992, in New London, Connecticut, and grew up in nearby Quaker Hill, a small coastal town. When he was a high school freshman, his family moved to Santa Clarita, California, to help him play baseball year-round and increase his exposure to professional scouts.
He attended Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita, where he became a standout player. In his senior season, he was named All‑Foothill League, posted a 7–4 record with a 3.17 ERA, and set a school record with 17 strikeouts in one game. He was also voted Golden Valley's Athlete of the Year in 2011. Barlow committed to Fresno State and planned to join their baseball program, but he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being selected in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB Draft, choosing to begin his pro career instead of college ball.
Career
Scott Barlowwas selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB Draft and began his pro journey in the minor leagues. After recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2012 and steadily climbing through the Dodgers' farm system, he chose free agency in November 2017.
He signed a major league deal with the Kansas City Royals in December 2017. Barlow made his MLB debut on April 30, 2018, and over six seasons in Kansas City he became a key relief pitcher. He struck out 164 batters, notched 58 saves, and recorded a solid 3.49 ERA during that stretch.
In August 2023, he was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he maintained a 3.07 ERA in 25 appearances. He then joined the Cleveland Guardians in November 2023, delivering a 4.25 ERA with 68 strikeouts over 55 innings in 2024, before being released in September. On February 13, 2025, Barlow agreed to a one‑year, $1.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Through July 2025, his career totals include 411 MLB games, a 26–21 win-loss record, a career ERA of 3.52, 58 saves, and 507 strikeouts in 429.2 innings
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