The future starts now as Jose Barrero and the Reds visit Milwaukee to face the Brewers

It's time for Reds shortstop Jose Barrero to show what he's made of.

Over the last 10 days, the Cincinnati Reds have turned over nearly 20% of their roster as multiple veterans were dealt before the trade deadline passed on August 2nd. Outfielders Tyler Naquin, Tommy Pham, starting pitchers Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle, and infielder Brandon Drury were sent packing.

Needless to say, the future is now for some of the Reds' younger players. It's not hyperbole to say the next two months are the most important of shortstop Jose Barrero's young career. After the flurry of acquisitions over the last week, the 24-year-old Cuban is no longer the club's only possible long-term solution at shortstop.

Four of Cincinnati's top six ranked prospects play shortstop. Two of those players, Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo, were acquired over the weekend from the Seattle Mariners in the Luis Castillo trade. In addition, Marte and 2021 first-round selection Matt McLain are projected to make their MLB debut next summer.

Obviously, it's a small sample size. In 120 big league at-bats, Barrero is slashing an anemic .192/.236/.242 with five extra-base hits. However, you can't blame him for looking over his shoulder, and with good reason. If Jose Barrero doesn't finish strong in 2022, his long-term prospects of being an impact player for the Reds will have suffered a tremendous blow.

Prediction: Brewers take out their frustrations on the Reds.

This is probably not the best time to catch the Milwaukee Brewers if you're the Cincinnati Reds. On the heels of a three-game sweep courtesy of a poor Pirates club, you can bet the Brew Crew is looking to take out some frustration.

Unfortunately, our Redlegs will be on the receiving end of that beat down as the Brewers take two of three before the Reds travel to the Big Apple to battle the first place New York Mets.