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Daric William Barton (born August 16, 1985) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics.
Barton began his professional career with the rookie-level Johnson City Cardinals in 2003, mainly playing as a catcher. In 54 games, he batted .291 with 4 .
In 2004, Barton advanced to the Peoria Chiefs, the Cardinals' Single-A affiliate. He played in just 90 games for the Chiefs, batting .313 with 13 home runs. Barton was named to the Midwest League Postseason All-Star team. He led the Midwest League in on-base percentage (.445), was third in the league in batting average (.313), and fourth in the league in slugging percentage (.511).
In 2006, Barton once again appeared on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list, this time ranking at #28. He was also ranked as the Athletics' #1 prospect. Barton played for the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats in 2006. However, due to injuries Barton played in only 43 games, batting .259 with 2 home runs.
In 2007, Barton appeared on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list, this time ranked at just #67. He was ranked as the Athletics' #2 prospect behind outfielder Travis Buck, who ranked at #50 on the Top 100 Prospects list. Barton began the 2007 season slowly with the River Cats, hitting just .221 in April and .273 in May. He finally got started in June when he hit .454 in 27 games. Barton was named to the Pacific Coast League Mid-Season All-Star team on July 11. He finished the 2007 minor league season with a .293 batting average and nine home runs in 137 games.
Following the 2007 minor league season, the River Cats advanced to the first round of the playoffs. They played the Salt Lake Bees, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim' Triple-A affiliate. In the first round, Barton batted .550 (11–20) with 10 RBIs. He had a power surge with 4 home runs and one of the home runs was a decisive one in Game 5 as it led the River Cats into the second round of the playoffs. He did not join the team for the second round as he had his contract purchased by the Athletics major league club on September 10.Urban, Mychael. "Notes: Barton called up to see action", MLB.com, September 10, 2007. Accessed September 13, 2007.
On September 14, Barton hit his first major league home run. Barton played in 18 games in 2007. He reached base safely in all 18 games via a hit or a walk.Smith, Matt. "Notes: Geren reflects on first season", MLB.com, September 30, 2007. Accessed October 1, 2007. He batted .347 (25–72) with 4 home runs and 8 RBIs.
In 2008, Barton was the Athletics' starting first baseman. He batted just .226 with 9 home runs and 47 RBIs in 140 games. During the All-Star break, Barton dove into a shallow pool and hit his head on the bottom. He suffered a jammed neck and had to get staples to close a cut on his head. "Notes: Oakland's Barton jams neck after dive into shallow pool", Yahoo.com, July 20, 2008. Accessed October 7, 2008.
On April 5, 2009, the day before the A's season opener, Barton was demoted to Triple-A Sacramento.
Barton began the 2010 season as the A's starting first baseman. On April 25, he fractured his finger while tumbling into the Cleveland Indians dugout. He won a Fielding Bible Award for his statistically based defensive excellence during the year and led his team in runs (79), hits (152), and doubles (33) and accumulated an All-Star caliber 5.5 WAR. He also led the AL in walks with 110, and was second in MLB only to Prince Fielder.McNeal, Stan. Patient Daric Barton walks the walk , Sporting News. Published February 25, 2011. Retrieved March 13, 2011.
Barton was once again selected as the starting first baseman for the Athletics at the beginning of the 2011 season. On June 22, the A's sent Barton back to Triple-A Sacramento to make room for Mark Ellis. Barton was hitting .212 with zero home runs at the time. For the season, he batted .212 in 236 at bats.
On June 2, 2012, a struggling Barton was sent back to Triple-A. For the season, he batted .204.
On March 29, 2013, Barton was designated for assignment by the Athletics.
In May of the 2013 season, Barton was added back on the 40-man roster when right fielder Josh Reddick was placed on the disabled list after injuring his wrist. Everyday first basemen Brandon Moss was moved over to right field. Barton took Reddick's spot on the active roster and covered everyday first base duties. Barton was than designated for assignment again when Reddick returned. He was than outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento. On August 26, Barton was added to the 40-man roster again for the same reason.
On December 20, 2013, Barton signed a one-year deal with Oakland, avoiding arbitration. Twitter / Athletics: The #Athletics have signed 1B Daric Barton to a one-year contract to avoid arbitration. The Athletics designated Barton for assignment on May 15, 2014, when they acquired Kyle Blanks. In October 2014, Barton elected to become a free agent.
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