Timothy John McFarland Bio
Timothy John McFarland (born June 8, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher who most recently played for the Oakland Athletics organization. McFarland has appeared in Major League Baseball (MLB) for six different franchises over twelve seasons, establishing himself as a reliable bullpen arm throughout his career. Known for his durability and versatility as a reliever, he has compiled a 26–20 career win–loss record with a 4.18 earned run average and 325 strikeouts across his MLB tenure.
Early Life and Background
McFarland grew up in Palos Hills, Illinois, and attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, where he became a standout multi-sport athlete. During his four years at Stagg High, McFarland excelled on both the baseball and basketball teams, developing the competitive drive that would define his professional career. His senior year proved particularly impressive, as he recorded 103 strikeouts while walking only 13 batters across 66 and two-thirds innings pitched.
Despite his commitment to play college baseball at the University of Missouri for the Missouri Tigers, McFarland’s professional aspirations would take precedence. He graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2018 with a degree in business management, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside his athletic pursuits.
Path to Professional Baseball
The Cleveland Indians selected McFarland in the fourth round of the 2007 MLB Draft, presenting him with the opportunity to begin his professional career immediately rather than attend college. He reported to the minor leagues and steadily climbed the organizational ladder. While pitching for the Kinston Indians of the High-A Carolina League in 2010, McFarland earned selection to the All-Star Game, signaling his potential as a future big league contributor.
McFarland continued his development in 2012 with the Akron Aeros of the Double-A Eastern League and received a promotion to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers of the International League. His progression through the minors set the stage for his eventual selection by the Baltimore Orioles in the Rule 5 Draft in December 2012.
Timothy John McFarland Career
Baltimore Orioles (2013–2016)
On December 6, 2012, the Baltimore Orioles selected McFarland from the Indians in the Rule 5 Draft, acquiring him for $50,000. The Rule 5 Draft came with significant roster requirements, as McFarland had to remain on the Orioles’ active roster for the entire 2013 season or be offered back to Cleveland for $25,000. After a strong spring training performance, he earned a spot on the Opening Day roster, cementing his transition from minor league pitcher to major leaguer.
McFarland earned his first career major league win on June 13, 2013, pitching an inning of relief against the Boston Red Sox. He made his first career start on June 28 against the New York Yankees. In his debut season, he appeared in 38 games with all but one coming in relief, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure situations. His first win as a starter came on July 1, 2014, against the Texas Rangers, and he finished that season with a 4–2 record and a 2.76 ERA with 34 strikeouts across 58 and two-thirds innings in 37 appearances.
Throughout his tenure with Baltimore, McFarland served primarily as a long reliever and spot starter. In 2015, he posted a 2–2 record with a 4.91 ERA over 30 contests, and in 2016 he made 16 relief appearances while struggling to a 6.93 ERA. The Orioles designated McFarland for assignment on February 19, 2017, following the acquisition of Vidal Nuño, and he was released later that month.
Arizona Diamondbacks (2017–2019)
McFarland signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 3, 2017, and earned a promotion to the major league roster on April 27. In 43 games for Arizona that season, he logged a 4–5 record with a 5.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts across 54 innings. The Diamondbacks non-tendered him after the season, making him a free agent, but he quickly re-signed on a one-year deal worth $850,000.
The 2018 season proved to be McFarland’s best statistical year. He posted a career-best 2.00 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 47 appearances, showcasing his effectiveness as a setup man. In 2019, he recorded a 4.82 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 56 innings over 51 games before becoming a free agent at season’s end.
Oakland Athletics (2020, 2024–2025)
On November 4, 2019, the Oakland Athletics claimed McFarland off waivers. In the shortened 2020 season, he appeared in 20 games, pitching to a 4.35 ERA with 9 strikeouts over 20 and two-thirds innings before becoming a free agent.
McFarland returned to Oakland in 2024. On January 26, he signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that included an invitation to spring training. However, the Dodgers traded him to the Athletics on March 26 in exchange for cash considerations, and he was added to the major league roster. McFarland made 79 total relief appearances for Oakland that season, compiling a 2–4 record with a 3.81 ERA and 39 strikeouts across 56 and two-thirds innings.
Following the 2024 campaign, McFarland re-signed with the Athletics on a one-year contract worth $1.8 million. In 2025, he made 27 appearances, posting a 6.89 ERA with seven strikeouts across 15 and two-thirds innings. The Athletics designated him for assignment on June 27, and he cleared waivers and was released on July 4.
St. Louis Cardinals (2021–2022)
After beginning 2021 with the Washington Nationals organization where he struggled to a 5.25 ERA in 18 Triple-A appearances, McFarland signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on June 30. He cited a better opportunity to earn a promotion with the Cardinals. His contract was selected to the active roster on July 16, and he spent the remainder of the season with St. Louis.
McFarland flourished with the Cardinals, going 4–1 with a 2.56 ERA in 38 relief appearances. In 38 and two-thirds innings pitched, he recorded 21 strikeouts and induced 12 double plays, setting a new franchise record for double plays by a reliever after the All-Star Break. He returned to St. Louis on a one-year contract in November 2021. However, he was designated for assignment in August 2022 after posting a 6.61 ERA in 28 relief appearances. After his release, he re-signed with the Cardinals to a minor league deal and finished the season with Triple-A Memphis.
New York Mets (2023)
On December 20, 2022, McFarland signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets organization. He began the season with Triple-A Syracuse, working to a 2.76 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 32 and two-thirds innings. The Mets selected his contract on June 26, 2023, adding him to the major league roster. He made just three appearances, surrendering two runs (one earned) on four hits with two strikeouts in 1 and two-thirds innings. The Mets designated him for assignment on July 14 following the activation of José Quintana from the injured list, and he elected free agency four days later.
Second Stint with Baltimore (2023)
McFarland signed with the Baltimore Orioles organization on July 22, 2023, returning to the franchise where he first established himself as a major leaguer. With Triple-A Norfolk Tides, he pitched to a 1.80 ERA with 30 strikeouts across 30 innings in 21 games. He elected free agency following the season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, McFarland has served primarily as a bullpen workhorse capable of logging multiple innings in relief appearances. His ability to induce double plays and limit walks made him particularly valuable as a setup option. His 12 double plays with the Cardinals in 2021 demonstrated his capacity to generate ground-ball outs in crucial situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
McFarland’s Rule 5 Draft selection by Baltimore in 2012 marked a significant milestone, as it set in motion his decade-long MLB career. His 2021 season with St. Louis stands as one of his most productive, as he helped anchor a Cardinals bullpen that reached the postseason. Although he took the loss in the National League Wild Card Game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, surrendering the walk that led to the game-winning home run, his regular-season contributions were substantial.
Timothy John McFarland Career Wins
McFarland has accumulated a 26–20 win–loss record across 12 MLB seasons with six different franchises. His 325 career strikeouts demonstrate his ability to miss bats at the major league level, while his 4.18 career ERA reflects consistent performance as a middle-relief and long-relief specialist.
MLB Statistics Highlights
McFarland’s most successful seasons include his 2018 campaign with Arizona, where he posted a career-best 2.00 ERA, and his 2021 season with St. Louis, where he went 4–1 with a 2.56 ERA. His 79 appearances with Oakland in 2024 represented one of the highest workloads of his career, showcasing his durability as a reliever deep into his thirties.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his MLB career, McFarland’s minor league statistics demonstrated his ability to dominate Triple-A hitters, as evidenced by his 1.80 ERA with Norfolk in 2023 and his 2.76 ERA with Syracuse earlier that same year. His consistent ability to pitch effectively in relief roles across multiple organizations highlights his adaptability and professionalism.
Timothy John McFarland Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While McFarland’s baseball career has been well documented, details about his family background and racing lineage are not extensively available in public sources. He has maintained focus on his professional career while keeping personal matters relatively private.
Personal Life
McFarland married his wife, Jenna, in 2016. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in November 2021. McFarland has spoken publicly about the importance of balancing family life with the demands of a professional baseball schedule, particularly during the rigors of a 162-game regular season.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a challenging chapter for McFarland. After re-signing with the Oakland Athletics on a one-year, $1.8 million contract, he struggled to replicate his success from the previous year. In 27 appearances covering 15 and two-thirds innings, he posted a 6.89 ERA and recorded only seven strikeouts, indicating significant decline in his effectiveness on the mound.
The Athletics ultimately designated McFarland for assignment on June 27, 2025, a decision that reflected his diminished performance. After clearing waivers, he was released on July 4, bringing his MLB career to a close for the time being. Throughout his twelve-season career, McFarland demonstrated resilience and adaptability, contributing to six different organizations and earning a reputation as a reliable clubhouse presence.
McFarland’s professional journey exemplifies the perseverance required to maintain a career in professional baseball. From his Rule 5 Draft selection through multiple organizational changes, he carved out a meaningful career spanning more than a decade at the sport’s highest level.