Reds addition of yet another shortstop reveals lack of confidence in Jose Barrero

The Cincinnati Reds have added yet another shortstop to their roster. On Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with former Baltimore Orioles infielder Richie Martin.

A former first-round pick from Detroit, Michigan, Martin had been part of the O's organization since 2019. Martin's bat has never really brought much to the table in the big leagues and has a career-slash line of .212/.261/.311 in 170 games.

Martin will be a non-roster invitee to spring training and will be competing with several other infielders for a spot on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. One of which is shortstop Jose Barrero.

The Reds addition of yet another SS reveals lack of confidence in Jose Barrero.

Richie Martin is little more than a depth addition to the Cincinnati Reds roster. Sure, he'll be given a chance to make the team, but the 28-year-old would have to play out of mind during Cactus League games in order to solidify a spot on the 26-man roster.

Martin's addition, however, is an indication of the lack of confidence the club has in former top shortstop prospect Jose Barrero. The Reds had already swung a trade for former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Kevin Newman. Cincinnati has essentially doubled-down with by signing Martin.

To be quite frank, you can't blame the Reds for their lack of faith. Barrero, who looked unstoppable while playing in both Double-A and Triple-A during the 2021 season, woefully underperformed last season and squandered any opportunity of securing a starting spot heading into spring training in 2023.

This signing also signals that, as Cincinnati Reds GM Nick Krall has stated, the club has virtually no intention of rushing top prospect Elly De La Cruz to the major leagues in 2023. It's likely the Reds will choose to send De La Cruz back to the minors to begin his 2023 campaign.