3 Reds players who could be traded to clear roster spots for Rule 5 eligible prospects

2. The Reds could trade Jose Barrero to clear roster space

This is an interesting name to watch today. Since he's still pre-arbitration eligible, Jose Barrero is unlikely to be non-tendered later this week, but he could be traded later today in order to free up a 40-man roster spot.

Barrero, much like the aforementioned TJ Hopkins, falls into that Quadruple-A category. But unlike Hopkins, Barrero has received several chances in the league and just can't seem to figure things out at the dish.

Barrero, though, has seen sporadic playing time in the big leagues and was never given consistent playing time to showcase his abilities outside of about a six-week stretch during the dog days of summer in 2022.

Strikeouts have been a consistent issue for Barrero, and the young infielder has continued to struggle with pitch recognition and refuses to lay off those breaking balls.

In 46 games in the majors last season, Barrero hit.218/.295/.323 with a wRC+ of 65 according to FanGraphs. With the Louisville Bats, Barrero posted a slash line of .258/.333/.540 with a wRC+ of 110.

Defense has never been the problem for Jose Barrero. And having the type of athletic ability that Barrero possesses, while also playing a premium position, could see the Cincinnati Reds looking to shop the shortstop before 6 PM ET today in order to free up a 40-man roster spot.