Reds: 4 prospects who could make an impact in September

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DENVER, CO – JULY 11: Jose Barrero #50 of National League Futures Team throws during a game.(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

3. Jose Barrero, Reds shortstop

There might not be a hotter player in minor league baseball than Jose Barrero. Since the start of August, Barrero is hitting .318 with four home runs and nine RBIs. In Barrero’s 39 games at Triple-A Louisville, the right-handed hitting infielder is slashing .313/.398/.600, has 10 doubles, 11 homers, and 34 RBIs.

Barrero is the future at shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds. No matter how well Kyle Farmer has played this season, and he’s been very good, Barrero’s potential is enormous and fans should expect to see him starting at shortstop on Opening Day next season.

Jose Barrero, formerly Jose Garcia, was called up to the big leagues last season having not even played a game in Double-A. In 67 at-bats, Barrero gathered only 13 hits, slugging just .194 and struck out 26 times in 24 games.

Barrero began this season at Double-A Chattanooga, but quickly was promoted to Triple-A Louisville after just 40 games with the Lookouts. Barrero posted an OPS of .848 while racking up nine doubles, six round trippers, and 28 RBIs.

Barrero’s defense is also top-notch, and may actually be his best tool; think about that for a second. Heading into the season, Barrero’s defense was considered major league-ready. It was his bat that lagged behind. That seems to have been remedied, and I fully expect to see Barrero on the Reds roster in September.

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