After four years as a starting pitcher for the Michigan baseball team, Kurt Barr has earned the chance to continue his career at the next level.
Barr did not hear his name called in the 2026 MLB Draft earlier this month, but his push for a professional opportunity paid off Wednesday when he inked a deal with the Minnesota Twins. He is the third member of the Wolverines pitching staff to sign as an undrafted free agent, joining fellow senior right-hander David Lally Jr. as well as junior left-hander Keegan O’Hearn.
A two-time All-Big Ten third team selection, Barr served as Michigan’s ace for much of his career, holding opposing batters to a .239 average over 65 total appearances on the mound. He tallied 105 of his 256 strikeouts in 2026, setting a program record for a senior pitcher.
Barr’s time in Ann Arbor featured a number of standout performances on the mound. In April 2024, he threw six scoreless innings in a combined shutout of rival Ohio State, along with a complete game against Minnesota. This April, Barr tossed a nine-inning, 10-strikeout gem against Michigan State in East Lansing, where his great-grandfather Jack Breslin was an administrator and standout athlete.
As the Wolverines’ Friday starter for three seasons, Barr primarily leaned on an off-speed arsenal, making hitters miss with deceptive delivery. His main offering, a devastating 12-6 curveball, will likely continue as his weapon of choice in the pros. Along with his arm, Michigan’s former team captain brings standout leadership skills to whatever locker room the future holds for him.
Barr follows Michigan teammate Colby Turner to the Twins, who selected the NCBWA All-American second baseman in the 12th round of the 2026 Draft. Barr will likely reunite with Turner on assignment with the Florida Complex League Twins, Minnesota’s rookie-level affiliate.
The Wolverines have no returning starters in 2027 and will look to rebuild their weekend rotation through a pitching staff that includes two of Barr’s younger brothers, rising junior Preston Barr and incoming freshman Deegan Barr.
