Rangers Demand Reds Take Jose Barrero Off Waivers.
Jose Barrero, an infielder, was claimed off waivers by the Rangers, it was reported. Barrero was on his way to Texas, as reported by reporter Francys Romero (X link) earlier today. Romero clarified that the transaction was a trade rather than a waiver claim. Texas also placed right-hander Carson Coleman on the 60-day disabled list in anticipation of Coleman’s Tommy John surgery, which will keep him out of the game until at least midseason.
Barrero was formerly thought of as a building block prospect; prior to the 2022 season, Baseball America ranked him as the 33rd-best minor leaguer in the whole sport. Barrero got back on track in the minors with a good slash line of.258/.333/.540 with Triple-A Louisville in 2023, but he battled mightily at the plate in both Triple-A and the major leagues in 2022.
Barrero’s options in the minor leagues are now over, and Cincinnati reportedly thought less of the 25-year-old because other Reds infielders have subsequently moved up to the position of him on the depth chart.Over 447 career plate appearances in the majors, Barrero has only hit.186/.242/.255, so it’s unclear if he can muster even respectable statistics against big league pitching. After switching to a new organization, a once-hyped prospect has occasionally turned out to be a late bloomer, but Barrero’s Triple-A figures suggest that he hasn’t completely lost his hitting ability.
Barrero contributes more than just hits to the team; during his minor league career, he has good speed (69 thefts in 87 tries) and plays solid defense at several spots. Throughout his professional career, Barrero has primarily played shortstop, but he has also seen some action at a second baseman and even in center field as the Reds searched for inventive ways to get their numerous infielders more playing time.
With some early problems in their infield, the Rangers club benefits from Barrero’s versatility. Nathaniel Lowe, the first baseman, is dealing with an oblique issue and may have to go on the 10-day injured list to begin the season. Josh Jung is making progress after missing three weeks of baseball due to a slight calf strain, but he is not yet back to playing the sport to the fullest extent. If Jung has to miss any regular-season time, Josh H. Smith and Ezequiel Duran can cover third base. Barrero can fill in for Duran at first base, though Duran might be needed in Lowe’s absence.
Although top prospect Justin Foscue appears set for his MLB debut, Matt Duffy and Jared Walsh are also in camp on minor league contracts. Barrero’s arrival now provides the Rangers further depth to work with as Opening Day draws near. Barrero’s options are over, so in order to send him back down to Triple-A, Texas would need to either carry him on the 26-man roster or put him up for waivers. Depending on how the Rangers want to arrange their roster, Barrero’s situation during training camp may present some challenges.
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