Cardinals and Utility man Jose Barrero are agreeing to a minor league deal, according to a report from Franchise Romero. With Romero, the deal includes an invitation to the big league Spring Training.
Barrero, 27 in April, emerged from the Reds’ organization and garnered top-100 prospect buzz following his debut in the shortened 2020 season despite hitting just .194/.206/.194 in 24 games. this year. He never lived up to that promise as he struggled to establish himself offensively at the big league level, slashing just .184/.248/.267 in the bigs from 2021 to 2023 with Cincinnati. Despite that lackluster offensive production in the majors, he has shown some signs of health at the Triple-A level throughout his career. In particular, Barrero hit an impressive .258/.333/.540 with 19 homers, 17 doubles, and 20 stolen bases in just 334 plate appearances at Triple-A Louisville during the 2023 campaign.
That was Barrero’s last season with the Reds, as he was assigned in March of 2024 when Cincinnati decided not to field an active team even though there were no minor league options left. That led to the Rangers firing him, though he was reassigned before Opening Day to make room. Jared Walsh in the group list. However, this time, he was not released and was transferred to Triple-A. Unfortunately for Barrero, he was unable to break out for the Rangers as he hit just .188/.277/.346 in 49 games with the Round Rock club in an injury-plagued season that led to his debut season being delayed until May and his team. last game played on July 4th.
Now that Barrero is likely healthy, he opted for free agency earlier this month and hit the open market for the first time in his career. That opened the door for him to sign with the Cardinals, who entered the winter facing a lot of uncertainty as trade rumors swirled around veteran players. Nolan Arenado. Given the potential for trades from the club this winter, adding a versatile outfielder like Barrero could make sense as a potential bench option when he plays in the spring, or even as a random piece of injury protection for the rest of the year. he should stay with the children.
Barrero’s path to St. Louis is complicated, however. The 26-year-old has primarily played shortstop and center field so far in his career, but the Cards have a rookie. Masyn Winn lock down shortstop while a young defensive talent Michael Siani again Victor Scott II figure to fight for regular playing time at center next year. Still, Barrero could find use as a versatile utility option, as he has played every position except first base and catcher throughout his career. It is possible that Barrero, if he entered the list of St. Louis next year, get playing time as a platoon partner for Siani or Scott in center field, as both are left-handed hitters with offensive numbers against southpaws. .
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