5 players still on the Reds roster who should be non-tendered

5. Reds SS Jose Barrero should be non-tendered

The situation surrounding Nick Senzel is eerily similar to the one involving Jose Barrero. Unlike Senzel, however, Barrero hasn't had near as many chances, and there is reason to believe that Cincinnati will hang on to the shortstop after a strong showing in Triple-A last season.

As is the case with Senzel, both the Reds and Barrero share blame when it comes to the lack of production we've seen from the former top prospect. Inconsistent playing time, injuries, and postion changes could all be to blame for Barrero's lack of success.

That said, the 25-year-old hasn't held up his end of the bargain either. Cincinnati gave Barrero a golden opportunity this spring to show that he could be that player that scouts and experts believed he could be, but the infielder was quickly brushed aside after another slow start.

Just like Senzel, the Reds would be wise to shop Barrero rather than just non-tender him. Being that Barrero is still under team control through 2027 and still pre-arbitration eligible, there will be teams willing to take a flier on the 25-year-old rather than risk losing him to a waiver claim.

The Cincinnati Reds could decide to hang on to Jose Barrero, but with Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Noelvi Marte, the team has more than enough depth at the shortstop position. Cincinnati showed no inclination to move Barrero to center field after demoting him to Triple-A, so that would appear to be off the table as well.

It's a numbers game, and it would seem as though Barrero is out of time. In terms of raw ability, very few position the talents that Barrero has. Unfortunately, he's never been able to put it all together. Barrero's career-OPS is .497 and he has a strikeout-rate of 36.5-percent over his three major league seasons.