Reds shortstop Jose Barrero has only seen his struggles intensify since demotion to Triple-A

Infielder Jose Barrero spent most of the first half of the season in the big leagues with the Cincinnati Reds. Barrero found very little success with the athletic shortstop slashing just .218/.295/.323 in 133 at-bats with 10 extra base hits.

Barrero's playing time saw a sharp decline after the return of Joey Votto and the promotions of infield prospects Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz. As Barrero continued to find the bench more often than the field, the decision was made to option the 24-year-old back to the minor leagues.

Once sent to Triple-A Louisville, the Reds were hoping to see Barrero return to form. Unfortunately, it's been anything but a bounce-back performance since arriving in the Derby City.

Reds shortstop Jose Barrero has only seen his struggles intensify since demotion to Triple-A.

Optioning Jose Barrero to Triple-A was seen as beneficial for a player who's still only 24 years old. It gives Barrero the opportunity to play every day, while affording the organization the ability to see if a move to the outfield is in the club's best interest.

Oddly enough, Barrero has played just one game in the outfield since heading back to Triple-A. The rest of his starts have come at shortstop. However, with Noelvi Marte now elevated to Triple-A, Barrero may see more and more starts in the outfield.

Since the move to Triple-A, Jose Barrero has regressed across across the board. In his first 11 games at Triple-A, Barrero has struck out nearly half the time while only recording six hits in 45 at-bats.

The 2023 season is far from over, so Jose Barrero could definitely turn his year around. While it's unlikely the former top prospect will end up back in the big leagues, his production in Triple-A is vital to his development; whether that's with the Cincinnati Reds or another organization.