Former Reds prospect returns to Winter League after scary collision ended 2024 season

Jose Barrero's time with the Cincinnati Reds was marred by lack of production. The former top prospect never lived up to the hype and was cut loose this past spring after failing to crack the Reds Opening Day roster.

Barrero was designated for assignment, but was plucked off waivers by the Texas Rangers. The longtime Reds shortstop hoped to break through with Texas, but was left off the Rangers roster and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock to begin the season.

Barrero played 49 games for the Rangers' minor-league affiliate, but a scary collision in the outfield saw the 26-year-old's season end in horrifying fashion. Barrero, who was playing center field for the Round Rock Express on July 4th, collided with his teammate and was in obvious pain. Barrero left the game and was later placed on the 60-day IL and missed the rest of the 2024 season.

Former Reds prospect Jose Barrero returns to Dominican Winter League

Barrero is still part of the Rangers organization, and will hope to make an impact this winter while playing for the Estrellas Orientales. Barrero was assigned to play in the Dominican Winter League during the offseason and will need a strong showing if he aspires to make it back to the big leagues in 2025.

Barrero was one of the Reds' top prospects several years ago. Heading into 2021, the shortstop was seen in a similar light to Elly De La Cruz before his Major League debut. Barrero had all the physical tools to be an elite defender with plenty of speed of pop. Unfortunately, he never realized his immense potential.

During his Reds career, Barrero hit just .186/.242/.255 with four home runs and 32 RBI. Barrero's penchant to swing and miss, oftentimes at pitches well outside the strike zone, saw him lose favor with the Reds coaching staff. In an effort to keep him in the organization, the Reds switched Barrero to center field, but nothing ever materialized.

Barrero is one of the many talent young players who was never been able to put it all together. Perhaps Barrero's time in the Dominican Winter League will help him regain his confidence and find his way back to the majors in 2025.

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