Payton Barton gives UIC a steady late-inning right arm
In the 2026 season, Payton Barton emerged as a reliable bullpen piece for UIC, highlighted by scoreless relief work in the NCAA Atlanta Regional opener against Georgia Tech and other late-season appearances where he helped stabilize games. He profiles as a lower-velocity, higher-mix righty who competes and attacks the zone, and the best fit for him is a staff that values poise, strike-throwing, and matchup flexibility over pure overpowering stuff. If you want a dependable innings-eater with regional-tournament composure, Barton is worth a look.
