The Cubs declined Barnette's $3 million club option for 2020 in November after a 2019 season in which he pitched in two major-league games. The 36-year-old missed the first couple months of the season with a shoulder injury and moved to the restricted list to mull over his career options after being sent to the minors in late June. Barnette will finish his career with a 3.53 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 132:43 K:BB across 145.1 innings in four seasons with the Rangers and Cubs.

The 35-year-old was placed on the restricted list at the beginning of July after being sent to the minors in order to figure out the next step in his career. Barnette never returned to Triple-A Iowa, and the team's decision to decline his option isn't very surprising. If the right-hander decides to continue playing, his best fit would likely be as a middle reliever after posting a 4.55 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP over the past three seasons. Even if he does return to the majors, Barnette holds little fantasy value due to his lackluster strikeout numbers and ineffectiveness in limiting run production.

Barnette was demoted to the minor leagues Wednesday, so he'll take some time away from the game to consider his options moving forward. "He's trying to figure out the next step," stated general manager Jed Hoyer. "We're certainly willing to give him the time to do that. He's a pro and a really good due. He's at that point in his career where he wants to think things over."

Barnette delivered a scoreless inning Wednesday but will head to Triple-A in order to make room for the much-anticipated arrival of Craig Kimbrel. Barnette was activated off the 60-day injured list Sunday and allowed one run over 1.1 innings during his brief time in the majors. The 35-year-old is a likely candidate to return to the majors when the Cubs are inevitably forced to shuffle their bullpen arms.