CINCINNATI — After his long journey back to the big leagues, Jose Barrero is embracing the opportunity with enthusiasm. Following his promotion from Triple-A Memphis, Barrero spoke passionately about his return, using his own words to explain how he stayed mentally strong after struggling through four seasons with the Reds.
When asked how he stayed motivated, Barrero responded in English with conviction:
“Competing every day and winning,” he said. “That’s the mentality and that’s the most important thing to me. If you win, everything is going to be great.”
Though Barrero didn’t play in the Cardinals’ 3-1 loss to the Reds at Great American Ball Park, he is looking forward to contributing to the team after an early-morning flight from Norfolk, Va. The Cardinals struck first in the game but were unable to capitalize on other opportunities to score.
Barrero, now 27, has a renewed sense of confidence after a productive stint at Triple-A, where he hit .299 with five doubles, a triple, four home runs, and 13 RBIs in 23 games. His performance at Memphis, along with the swing adjustments he made under Cardinals hitting coach Brant Brown, earned him the call-up.
Reflecting on his growth as a player, Barrero acknowledged the differences between his past struggles in the majors and the player he is today:
“Totally, especially with my mindset,” he said. “I enjoy [baseball] more now, and I compete in a better way.”
Barrero is set to split time between shortstop and center field, and the Cardinals are hopeful that his defensive abilities and newfound offensive production will make a significant impact. His promotion was made possible by the team’s decision to option Thomas Saggese to the minors and designate Ryan Loutos for assignment to make room on the roster.
Despite the struggles Barrero faced in his previous big-league seasons with the Reds, where he batted just .186 over 139 games, he remains grateful for his time in Cincinnati, where he was once named the Reds’ Minor League Player of the Year and their top prospect. Now, with a new team, Barrero is focused on giving it his all.
“I lived really close to the stadium, I was here almost three or four years, and I ate a lot of the Dominican food close to here,” Barrero said, reflecting on his Reds’ tenure. “But now I’m on a different team and that team is going to get all my energy.”
Barrero will wear #27 for the Cardinals as he looks to make an impact in the majors once again.
