5 reasons why Elly De La Cruz won't make the Reds Opening Day roster

2. The Reds should give Jose Barrero one last chance at shortstop.

While no one knows who will the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day shortstop when the 2023 season gets underway, it's a slam dunk that it won't be Elly De La Cruz. While the team's top prospect might be the most talented of the middle infielders on the roster, the Reds' shortstop depth will keep De La Cruz from breaking camp with the club.

In addition to De La Cruz, the Reds have veteran shortstop Kevin Newman on the 40-man roster. Jose Barrero, Noelvi Marte, and Spencer Steer all have varying experience at shortstop as well, though it would seem as though the Reds are focused on both Marte and Steer seeing time at the hot corner.

Heading into camp, while De La Cruz will surely see time at shortstop, the Opening Day starter will ultimately come down to a two-horse race between Newman and Barrero. In fact, Barrero should be given every opportunity to win the job outright during spring training.

Barrero was given an extended look at shortstop last summer and fell flat on his face. At one time the Reds top prospect, Barrero looked lost at the plate after being called up in early-August. Barrero, along with hitting coach Joel McKeithan, has worked on correcting his batting stance and shortening his swing.

The Cincinnati Reds owe it to themselves to see what they've got in Jose Barrero, If after the first two months of the 2023 season it's discovered that Barrero's just not able to hit at the major league level, then perhaps it's time for a changing of the guard. But Cincinnati would be crazy to give up on Barrero after just 282 major league at-bats.