Jose Barrero is the Future of the Reds

The Cincinnati Reds promoted Jose Barrero to the active roster on Monday, August 16. This move was made as All-Star outfielder, Jesse Winker was placed on the 10 day IL with an intercostal strain.

The name is probably rather familiar to Reds fans, as he has been dominant in double-A and triple-A this season. It becomes even more familiar when it is noted that Barrero is the same Jose Garcia that took 67 at bats during the shortened Covid season. Last season, Barrero wasn’t particularly impressive. Though, the Reds were asking a lot from the young prospect at the time. In 2020, it was obvious he wasn’t ready. But now, in 2021, Barrero is ready.

Impressive 2021 Season

For those that haven’t followed the Reds minor leagues this year, Barrero has been incredible. He started the year in Double-A Chattanooga. For the Lookouts, he tallied nine doubles, one triple and six home runs. He also added 28 RBIs and eight stolen bases. Barrero held a .300/.367/.481 slash line in those 40 games.

When he was promoted to Triple-A Louisville, Barrero got even better. In virtutally every statistic, he took a step forward. In the same amount of games and six less at bats, he tallied 10 doubles and 11 home runs. He also drove in 34 runs and stole seven bases. In that span, he posted a slash line of .305/.389/.584.

Barrero has also been exceptional with his glove this season. He has made countless web gem quality plays. He has played a majority of the year at shortstop but recently made a few appearances at third base. In 282 total chances, he has made just 13 errors. That leaves him with a fielding percentage above a 95%.

Potential Impact

Reds manager David Bell said that Barrero would come off the bench for the most part, playing either second base, third base or shortstop.

Barrero brings a bit of flexibility to the Reds infield. A lot of the starters may begin to wear down and this move allows for more days off for many different players. There is also potential that he could work his way into the rotation at third base. As of now, Bell has platooned Mike Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez at third base, depending on the handiness of the opposing pitcher. Suarez hits against the left handed pitchers. Moustakas hits against the right handed pitchers.

Where could Barrero fit into that? Suarez has been underwhelming this season, posting a .173/258/.376 slash line in 415 at bats. The most concerning part? Suarez has posted an even more concerning stat line against left handed pitchers, the pitchers that he has been used against for the last few weeks. Through 92 at bats this year, he has a .130/.238/.293 slash line against these left handed pitchers.

That is where Barrero could fit in. If he can show that he has the ability to hit left handed pitching, he can find himself a secure spot in the lineup. Pairing that with his potential to play shortstop or second base to take pressure off of Kyle Farmer and Jonathan India.

Barrero is the future and the future is now.

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