The Cardinals will select Jose Barrero’s contract prior to Monday’s game with the Reds, according to reporter Francys Romero. Infielder Thomas Saggese will be optioned to Triple-A in the corresponding 26-man roster move, and the Cards will need to make another transaction to open up space for Barrero on the 40-man roster.
Though Saggese has hit .341/.364/.512 in 44 plate appearances this season, MLB.com’s John Denton writes that the Cardinals would prefer to have Saggese in everyday action at Triple-A rather than more sporadic playing time on a crowded roster. Injuries to Nolan Gorman and Masyn Winn opened the door for Saggese to get called up in early April, though now that both players are back in action, Saggese’s role would be reduced if he remained in St. Louis.
The situation implies that Barrero will be just a depth piece with the Cards, and his out-of-options status means that he might be facing a relatively quick trip to the waiver wire should St. Louis need to make another roster move. Still, the contract selection puts Barrero on track for what would be his first big-league appearance since the 2023 season. Barrero might even get a chance to face his old team during this upcoming series, as Barrero spent his entire pro career with the Reds before he was claimed off waivers from the Rangers back in March 2024.
A highly-regarded prospect during his time in Cincinnati’s farm system, Barrero has hit only .186/.242/.255 over 447 career PA in the majors from 2020-23. Between this lack of production and the rise of several other Reds infield prospects, Barrero found himself the odd man out. The move to Texas didn’t result in any big-league playing time last year, as Barrero was hampered by injuries and hit .188/.277/.346 in only 188 Triple-A plate appearances.
Barrero chose to become a minor league free agent following the season and quickly signed on with St. Louis on a minors contract. The change of scenery has worked so far, as Barrero’s bat came alive to the tune of a .301/.396/.530 slash line over 96 PA at Triple-A Memphis. Barrero has spent the large majority of his career as a shortstop, but he has a good chunk of experience as a second baseman and center fielder, and a handful of games as a third baseman and in right field.
This guy absolutely stinks one of the worst baseball players I have ever seen make the majors what a joke he gets to pretend that he’s a major league player again while others in AAA never get any chances.
You’re screen name fits you William.
I hope that you are 7 years old because you write like one.
Yeah, but a 7 year old knowing what a gloryhole is is disturbing.
Not a fan of this move
Sagasse > Baker
Baker is overdue for an opportunity. Saggese will get his. Decent chance Saggese is better but Baker has a lot of offensive potential.
I think it makes some sense. A righty who can play center is a need. We have enough guys who need at bats so Barrero is just gonna play sporadically. I think it makes sense but if an infielder gets hurt Saggese should be called back up.
I’m not sure how much we need a right-handed center fielder who doesn’t hit LHP any better than our left-handed options in center.
The left handed option in center can’t play every single day. I don’t think this guy is going to get a lot of playing time.
Baker is not a prospect and doesn’t need to be considered for the Cards’ future plans at all. He’s fine in his current role.
I agree with you CardsFan57……
I don’t care for this move.
Saggese fills the spots in the infield where they lack quality back up players.
Plus, He can play them all. Plus, if needed, he could play a quality corner outfield position.
For Barrero’s sake —— I hope he can come in hot and stay that way!! This is his shot!!!!
As a previous writer commented—— there are others, who aren’t contact hitters and are limited fielders, who should be demoted other than Saggese.
Very bad player during his time with Reds, average SS glove but never able to figure out major league pitching.
This is dissappointing, Saggese has accounted for some big hits and contributed to more than a few of the Cardinals victories.
If anybody needs to see some ABs in AAA it’s Jordan Walker who has been a real drag.
Cardinals are close to being competitive, I still think they can win the division.
There starting pitching hasn’t been great but it hasnt been awful either.
Walker only has 1 option year left right? I kind of understand just committing to Walker this year, so you aren’t looking at having to DFA/sell low on him next year.
Some players take awhile for everything to click, and I believe that middle of the order power is still in there.
Walker is just 22. He’s got better coaches in Brown and Jay this season and it’s showed.
Consistent??? No not yet. Will he be?? I think so, but only time will tell.
If you start seeing Walker starting to “substitute” at his natural position of 3rd base, …… Look for Gorman to be traded to open up additional positional playing time for Saggese (all around the diamond) and Walker.
I like it when Sox fans are relegated to rooting for the Cardinals.
I’m mad that saggese was sent down, but happ that barrero gets a chance
If they could just get senzel they will have a pair
He’ll only be down until injury to a starter or Arenado gets traded.
Nobody wants Arenado.
Only if the Cardinals eat a very large portion of his remaining contract.
That’s true.
I back Arenado’s standing behind the contract he negotiated with and signed with John Mozeliak.
What’s not true is ——- is that nobody wants Arenado. Many teams want his Defense and the contact he’s making with the bat this season……
By the way Muncy is playing —— you may see Arenado along side Edman in Dodger Blue — sooner than later!!!
HBan22; I think the Dodgers may be rethinking about Arenado with the way Muncy is playing now.
Dodgers will play Freeland or Kim before trading for Arenado.
Now let me get this straight – Saggese is being sent down because he’s been successful, and Barrero is replacing him on the 26 because he’s never been successful. This sounds like something the Rockies would do.
They want Saggese to get regular at bats but at the moment the team doesn’t have the at bats to give him. It makes sense. If Arenado is dealt then he will get regular at bats but as of now it’s not possible.
Why do the Cards hit their face of the franchise 9th?
WHY?!!! First, why are we starting Gorman over Saggese? Second, move him around the infield like Donovan and get him at-bats. Between Winn and Gorman’s lack of production, we can spare some at-bats from them. I don’t have any faith in this front office or the management anymore. Super disappointing.
This current Cardinals organization would have optioned Albert Pujols in 2001. They wonder what’s wrong with their player development.
Barrero can’t hit a good breaking ball, or at least that was his problem last trip to The Show (not the video game).
They’re 12 – 16 and can’t find bats for a guy hitting .341? Amazing.
This “Thomas instead of Tom” name trend needs to end.