The Cardinals and the Provider Jose Barrero have agreed to a minor league deal, according to a Report by Francys Romero. According to Romero, the deal also includes an invitation to big league spring training.
Barrero, 27 years old in April, came into the Reds organization and received some buzz among top-100 prospects after making his debut in the shortened 2020 season, although he hit just .194/.206/.194 in 24 games that year. He never quite lived up to that promise as he struggled to establish himself offensively in the big leagues, slashing just .184/.248/.267 in the majors from 2021 to 2023 with Cincinnati. Despite this lackluster offensive performance in the majors, he has shown some signs of life at the Triple-A level throughout his career. Notably, Barrero hit an impressive .258/.333/.540 with 19 home runs, 17 doubles and 20 stolen bases in just 334 trips to the plate during the 2023 season at Triple-A Louisville.
That was Barrero's final season with the Reds, as he was designated for assignment in March 2024 when Cincinnati decided he would not be added to the club's active roster despite no minor league options remaining. This led to him being robbed Disclaimers from the Rangers, although he was designated for assignment again in the lead-up to Opening Day to make room Jared Walsh in the club's squad. This time, however, he was left unclaimed and landed straight to Triple-A. Unfortunately for Barrero, he failed to crack the majors with the Rangers, hitting just .188/.277/.346 in 49 games with the club's Round Rock affiliate, in an injury-plagued season that marked his regular season debut delayed until May. The last game took place on July 4th.
Now that Barrero is presumably healthy, he elected 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 face a lot of uncertainty amid rumors of a move heading into the winter experienced players like for example Nolan Arenado. Given the possibility of moves from the club's position corps this winter, signing a versatile defender like Barrero could make sense as a potential bench option should he emerge in the spring, or even as a non-roster depth player to step up throughout the year To avoid injuries, he should stay in the minors.
However, Barrero's path to playing time in St. Louis is a bit complicated. The 26-year-old has played primarily shortstop and centerfield so far in his career, but the Cards are rookie Masyn Winn Block shortstop while defensively gifted youngsters are in action Michael Siani And Victor Scott II Figure who will fight for regular playing time at center next year. Still, Barrero could find use as a versatile utility option, having played every position except first base and catcher throughout his career. It's even possible that, should Barrero make the St. Louis roster next year, he could find some time as a platoon partner for Siani or Scott in center field, as both are left-handed hitters with unimpressive attack numbers against southpaws.
