Reds shortstop Jose Barrero should make a permanent move to the outfield

Apr 21, 2024

With so many infielders, if there's any hope for Jose Barrero, it's in the outfield.

Since being sent down to Triple-A Louisville, former top prospect Jose Barrero has been playing rather well. After failing yet again to stick at the major league level, Barrero has hit .277/.345/.542 with 10 home runs and 36 RBI since debuting for the Louisville Bats in mid-June.

Barrero hasn't developed at the plate, and it certainly showed with his time in the majors this season. Barrero's career-batting average of .186 and strikeout-rate of 36.5-percent in 139 major leagues games haven't offered much promise.

But Barrero has shown the ability to play multiple positions. With Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and others looking to have the Reds infield on lockdown for several years to come, it would seem as though Barrero's best path back to the big leagues would be in the outfield.

Since arriving in Louisville in mid-June, Jose Barrero has seen more time at shortstop than center field. Barrero has started only eight games in center field while logging more than 25 games at shortstop.

While Cincinnati Reds prospect Michael Siani, more times than not, is receiving most of the starts in center field, Barrero needs more opportunities on the outfield grass.

Barrero could fill a similar role to that of Nick Senzel, and be platoon option against left-handed pitchers. Barrero has an OPS near .800 against left-handers while splitting time for both the Cincinnati Reds and Louisville Bats.

Continuing to get playing time inside the diamond on the dirt does not give Jose Barrero a path back to the major leagues. Thus, a permanent move to the outfield could be just what Barrero needs to revitalize his career.

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