Former Reds failed prospect resurfaces with Orioles after rocky MLB journey

Former Cincinnati Reds prospect Jose Barrero is not giving up on his Major League dreams. After being designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals late last week, Barrero has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

According to MLB insider Francys Romero, Barrero agreed to a Minor League deal with the O's. It's likely that Barrero will head to Triple-A Norfolk in an attempt to make a good impression on Baltimore's front office, and perhaps, return to the big leagues.

Barrero's Major League career has been defined by his shortcomings — both at the dish and in the field. He made his Major League debut during the pandemic shortened 2020 season after the Reds had seemingly given up on making it into the expanded postseason. But a surge over the final few weeks forced Cincinnati to bench Barrero in favor of Freddy Galvis.

Former Reds prospect Jose Barrero resurfaces with Orioles after rocky MLB journey

Barrero was yo-yo'd back and forth between the major and minor leagues for several seasons following his MLB debut, but never really found his footing. Cincinnati cleared the way in 2022 for Barrero to become the team's shortstop of the future, but a preseason injury and poor Minor League performance derailed any chance of him securing an everyday spot on the Reds roster.

Barrero was cut loose last spring after failing to claim a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster. He was plucked off waivers by the Texas Rangers, but a midseason collision in the outfield ended his season prematurely. Barrero then latched on with the Cardinals this past offseason, but after hitting just .138/.194/.276, St. Louis decided to cut their losses.

Barrero will now try to make in roads with the Orioles — a team many experts and pundits expected to contend for the playoffs this season. Baltimore, however, has been a shell of the team most people expected to see in 2025, and there's a real chance they could become sellers at the MLB trade deadline.

If that happens, Barrero may find his way back onto a big league roster. Cedric Mullins is seen as a potential trade target, and if he's dealt, that could allow Barrero a chance to make it back to the majors.

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