The Cardinals will choose Jose Barrero’s contract previous to Monday’s recreation with the Reds, in line with reporter Francys Romero. Infielder Thomas Saggese shall be optioned to Triple-A within the corresponding 26-man roster transfer, and the Playing cards might want to make one other transaction to open up area for Barrero on the 40-man roster.
Although Saggese has hit .341/.364/.512 in 44 plate appearances this season, MLB.com’s John Denton writes that the Cardinals would like to have Saggese in on a regular basis motion at Triple-A reasonably than extra sporadic enjoying time on a crowded roster. Accidents to Nolan Gorman and Masyn Winn opened the door for Saggese to get referred to as up in early April, although now that each gamers are again in motion, Saggese’s position can be diminished if he remained in St. Louis.
The state of affairs implies that Barrero shall be only a depth piece with the Playing cards, and his out-of-options standing implies that he is perhaps dealing with a comparatively fast journey to the waiver wire ought to St. Louis have to make one other roster transfer. Nonetheless, the contract choice places Barrero on monitor for what can be his first big-league look because the 2023 season. Barrero would possibly even get an opportunity to face his previous workforce throughout this upcoming collection, as Barrero spent his whole professional profession with the Reds earlier than he was claimed off waivers from the Rangers again in March 2024.
A highly-regarded prospect throughout his time in Cincinnati’s farm system, Barrero has hit solely .186/.242/.255 over 447 profession PA within the majors from 2020-23. Between this lack of manufacturing and the rise of a number of different Reds infield prospects, Barrero discovered himself the odd man out. The transfer to Texas didn’t end in any big-league enjoying time final 12 months, as Barrero was hampered by accidents and hit .188/.277/.346 in solely 188 Triple-A plate appearances.
Barrero selected to change into a minor league free agent following the season and shortly signed on with St. Louis on a minors contract. The change of surroundings has labored to date, as Barrero’s bat got here alive to the tune of a .301/.396/.530 slash line over 96 PA at Triple-A Memphis. Barrero has spent the big majority of his profession as a shortstop, however he has chunk of expertise as a second baseman and heart fielder, and a handful of video games as a 3rd baseman and in proper area.
