Surprise name who could rejoin the Reds when rosters expand next month

When September rolls around and rosters expand, every major league team approaches the final month of the season a little bit different. The Cincinnati Reds could use some extra arms in the bullpen or even add a sixth starter.

Doing so could help reduce the workload on the young hurlers and bring relief to an absolutely exhausted bullpen. But is there another option that could emerge when the calendar flips to September?

Former top prospect Jose Barrero has certainly seen his fair share of struggles in the big leagues, but his recent play in Triple-A could grant him another chance in Cincinnati.

Jose Barrero could join the Reds when rosters expand next month.

Once Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain joined the active roster, it was virtually a forgone conclusion that Jose Barrero was going to be optioned to Triple-A. Many fans thought that his 2023 season, not to mention his career with the Cincinnati Reds, may be over at that point.

Over the last 28 days, however, Barrero is hitting .314/.412/.629 with 11 extra-base hits including five home runs; two of those homers have come in the last week. Barrero seems to be finding his power once again.

Barrero's athleticism gives his a level of versatility that's difficult to put into words. The 25-year-old has a great combination of speed, quickness, and arm stregnth. While he's played mostly at shortstop since returning to Triple-A, Barrero can also play on the outfield grass.

Jose Barrero is under team control with the Cincinnati Reds for another several years. Does he have a place on the roster heading into the offseason? That remains to be seen. But Barrero has the type of talent that teams crave.

At the very least, Barrero could add speed on the base paths as a late-inning replacement or be installed in the latter part of a game to strenghten the Reds defense. Either way, don't be shocked if Barrero makes his way to the big league club in September.