Barnes has a dangerous combination of power and speed that has the potential to net him an early selection in June. At Texas Tech he has been a constant force in the middle of the line-up. This year to date he is hitting .327 with 16 2B's, 5 3B's, 9 HR's and he's 19-20 on stolen base attempts. He makes loud contact thanks to a very athletic frame that helps him generate above-average bat speed. His BB:K ratio is roughly 1:1, though swing and miss will be a part of his game and his approach is not as refined as it could be at the plate. He's a known commodity in the Big 12 and a feared hitter in the middle of the line-up that can beat you with both his bat and his legs. Opinions differ on Barnes' ability to make consistent contact at the next level, but the bat speed and the raw power are certainly intriguing.


In the outfield, he is athletic enough and his speed allows him to have good range in any of the three spots. He does have the range and arm strength for center and is the Red Raiders everyday CF this season. While he won't be an exceptional center fielder, he can handle the position and could easily slide over to a corner and be a plus defender over there if necessary. 

MLB Comparison at the Plate: Nolan Reimold
Draft Projection: 1st-Supplemental Round

Video Footage: Barnes taking BP for the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape League