The Cardinals will select José Barrero’s contract prior to Monday’s game against the Reds, per reporter Francys Romero. To make room on the active roster, Thomas Saggese will be optioned to Triple-A, and the team will need to clear a 40-man roster spot for Barrero.
Despite Saggese’s strong performance — he’s slashed .341/.364/.512 over 44 plate appearances — the Cardinals prefer that he play every day in Triple-A rather than see limited action at the MLB level. Injuries to Nolan Gorman and Masyn Winn initially opened the door for Saggese’s call-up in early April, but with both players now healthy, his path to playing time in St. Louis has narrowed.
This move suggests that Barrero is being added primarily as a depth option. Given that he is out of minor league options, he could quickly find himself on waivers again if the Cardinals need additional roster flexibility. For now, however, Barrero is set to make his first MLB appearance since the 2023 season — and fittingly, it could come against his former team.
Barrero spent his entire career with the Reds organization before being claimed off waivers by the Rangers in March 2024. Once a highly regarded prospect in Cincinnati’s system, he struggled at the plate during his time in the majors, hitting just .186/.242/.255 over 447 plate appearances from 2020–23. As the Reds’ infield grew increasingly crowded with young talent, Barrero was squeezed out.
His stint with Texas was derailed by injuries, and he didn’t see major league action, batting .188/.277/.346 over 188 Triple-A plate appearances in 2023. After electing free agency last offseason, Barrero signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals — a move that seems to have revitalized his game. With Triple-A Memphis this year, Barrero has posted an impressive .301/.396/.530 slash line across 96 plate appearances.
Primarily a shortstop, Barrero also brings versatility, having logged time at second base, center field, third base, and even right field throughout his professional career.
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