Jose Barrero

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #1 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: For a team that rarely spends big on free agents, the Reds were always willing to spend on Cuban international free agents under the old format, where bonuses weren’t strictly limited. The signings of Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias gave a big payoff. Vladimir Gutierrez and Barrero should give the Reds a couple more potentially valuable additions. Barrero signed for $5 million in 2017. A second baseman in Cuba, Barrero quickly took to shortstop in the U.S. A shoulder injury slowed his U.S. debut in 2018, but he had an excellent 2019 season at High-A. On the heels of that, the Reds aggressively promoted him to the majors late in 2020. Barrero showed he wasn’t ready, but he responded by making improvements at the plate in the minors in 2021. He was called up to Cincinnati in September when Kyle Farmer went on the paternity list. When Farmer returned, Barrero got to branch out, playing some second base and center field. He hadn’t played second base in a pro game since 2017 and his first game in center field was in the majors, but he showed his adaptability by picking up the new position quickly. Barrero changed his name (from Jose Garcia) to remember and honor his late mother Tania Barrero. She died in May 2021 because of a coronavirus-related illness.
  
  Scouting Report: Barrero has developed into a solid offensive contributor with above-average power potential and average hitting ability. He is fully capable of crushing fastballs, but his success in the majors will be determined largely by his ability to either better hit or better lay off sliders out of the strike zone. He was regularly victimized by his tendency to chase in his first MLB stint in 2020. In 2021, he did a better job of laying off of sliders well out of the zone that he’d pulled off of in the past, but he’s still vulnerable to good sliders just in or out of the strike zone low and away. Barrero is a plus runner who wisely picks out spots to steal. Defensively, Barrero is an above-average defender at shortstop thanks to a plus arm and solid body control. He is at his best coming in on choppers, which he can confidently barehand and fluidly throw to first. He’s also excellent when he’s fielding balls to his left, but he is less comfortable making plays deep in the hole to his right. He showed his defensive versatility in Cincinnati last September.
  
  The Future: Barrero has used only one of his three options, so there’s still plenty of time for him to settle into his role with the Reds, even if it may not be on Opening Day in 2022. He has some defensive versatility, but the Reds have a long-term answer at second base and Barrero’s bat fits better at shortstop than in center field. Kyle Farmer’s surprising 2021 season means the Reds have another option, but Barrero should be a better defender with a better bat long term.
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #1 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 50. Power: 50. Running: 50. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
  
  TRACK RECORD: The Reds have a long history of signing Cuban prospects and have gotten strong payoffs for their proclivity, most notably Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias. Garcia became the latest Cuban to join the Reds when he signed for $5 million as part of their 2016-17 international signing class. Garcia was slowed by a shoulder injury in 2018 but broke out to lead the high Class A Florida State League with 46 extra-base hits in 2019. He hit four home runs in 13 games in spring training with the Reds in 2020, which helped convince the club to fast track him to the majors once baseball resumed after the coronavirus shutdown. The Reds called Garcia up in late August despite the fact he had never played above high Class A and immediately made him their everyday shortstop. He struggled with the aggressive jump and hit .194 before eventually turning the starting job back over to Freddy Galvis, but the Reds still used him as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Jumping to the majors proved to be too much, too soon for Garcia, but he’s not a finished product as a hitter. He has good hand-eye coordination, solid bat control in the strike zone and more power than most middle infielders. As bad as his debut was, Garcia has the potential to be an average hitter with average or even a tick above-average power one day. His swing is simple, and his size and strength give him the ability to yank home runs and drive doubles in the gaps. Garcia’s approach got pull-heavy in the majors and he had difficulty laying off of breaking balls down and away, giving pitchers an easy plan of attack. Garcia hit .300 against lefties and .167 against righthanders, largely because of his struggles against sliders that broke away from him. Many of Garcia’s hitting issues can be chalked up to inexperience, and he has the potential to eventually hit .255-.260 with 15 home runs if he can build off his rough MLB debut. The Reds knew his aggressiveness at the plate was a potential issue, but they brought him up anyway because they love his glove. Garcia has the tools to be a plus defender at shortstop with a quick first step, excellent body control, soft hands, plus range and a plus arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garcia is the Reds’ shortstop of the future, but that future might not begin until late 2021 or 2022. He needs more time in the minors to face quality breaking balls in a less pressurized environment. His solid glove will give his bat plenty of chances to catch up.
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #6 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The Reds tracked Garcia closely during his years on Cuba's junior national team and went over their international spending limit to sign him for $5 million in 2017. He struggled with an aggressive assignment to low Class A Dayton in his first season but, like many Cuban players, he made great strides in his second year in the U.S. in 2019. Garcia hit .278/.340/.432 in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League and led the circuit with 37 doubles.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Primarily a second baseman in Cuba, Garcia has proven he can handle shortstop. His soft, quick hands give him a plus glove, and he has the footwork and quickness to cover the requisite ground. Garcia's arm strength is plus and has become better as his internal clock has improved. The game doesn't speed up on him anymore after previously being a problem. Garcia's swing is repeatable and he shows some ability to drive the ball, but he's a contact hitter who uses the whole field more than a home run threat. His footspeed is average and won't hurt his ability to stick up the middle.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garcia's defense is an asset and should help him get to the big leagues. If he continues to progress as a hitter, he can be an everyday regular.
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #11 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: The Reds went over their international spending limit to sign Garcia in June of 2017, shelling out $5 million. The organization challenged Garcia immediately, assigning him to play with low Class A Dayton. He took a while to get settled in and had plenty of rust to shake off, but once the weather warmed up, he hit .277/.322/.398 in the second half. Garcia played both shortstop and second base in 2018 for Dayton, sharing the positions with Jeter Downs.
  
  Scouting Report: While scouts are comfortable that Garcia will be a solid fielder, there's much less confidence in his bat. He is a gap-to-gap hitter who could develop average power as he matures. He stays balanced with his swing but needs to refine his understanding of the strike zone to make the most of his fringe-average hit tool. Garcia has gotten significantly bigger and stronger since arriving from Cuba, which adds hope that he'll start driving the ball. Primarily a second baseman in Cuba, Garcia showed that he can be above-average defender at shortstop with plus speed, a plus arm and the range scouts look for in a shortstop. Garcia has good hands, but with Dayton he committed 28 errors, almost equally divided between fielding and throwing. He has to figure out how to slow the game down at shortstop.
  
  The Future: The Reds have a lot of middle infielders in the system, but Garcia has one of the clearest paths to being a big league shortstop because he has a better glove than Downs and a better bat than Alfredo Rodriguez.
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #12 prospect in 2018
  The Reds spent more than $30 million in the international signing period, including penalties, with Garcia representing the final splash, signing for a nearly $5 million bonus. The Reds followed him for years with the Cuban junior national team, where he played second base. The Reds believed that he could play shortstop, and that's where he'll start with them. He has the athleticism to move back to second, or even center field. The Reds liked not Garcia's athleticism and his energy and enthusiasm, as well as his smooth movements in the field, with the arm, range and feet to play shortstop. At the plate, he has shown an advanced approach for his age, using all fields. A righthanded hitter, he has a long swing, but does a good job of hitting balls on the outer third to the opposite field. He showed plus speed in his workouts before signing, increased from what he had shown in international competition. Working in the Reds' Dominican instructional league, he has started to fill out his large, projectable frame. Garcia will turn 20 as the 2018 season begins, so he'll move quicker than the typical first-year player and his feel for the game gives him a chance to handle more aggressive assignments.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked International League #8 prospect in 2021
  The Reds turned to Barrero, then playing as Jose Garcia, during the shortened 2020 season in dire need of shortstop help despite Barrero having never played in the upper minors. Predictably, he struggled, striking out nearly 38% of the time, but it was clear then Barrero possessed an impressive tool set. Barrero proved it again this year. He made meaningful changes to his approach, posting a career-best 10% walk rate with Louisville as he tried to avoid expanding the zone and chasing offspeed pitches. He does quite a bit of damage when he can square balls up and has all the skills to be a plus defender at shortstop, albeit with more refinement needed. His strides came amid a challenging year. He changed his last name from Garcia to Barrero at the start of the season to honor his mother, who died from Covid-19 complications.
• 
  Ranked Southern League #2 prospect in 2021
  The Reds’ shortstop of the future had his best season of the present in 2021. After finishing strong in High-A in 2019 and then opening eyes at big league spring training and making his MLB debut in 2020, Barrero put together a strong top-to-bottom season at Double-A and Triple-A. He hit .303/.380/.539 with 19 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 85 games at the two levels, also seeing time in Cincinnati. Barrero, who previously played as Jose Garcia, has a well-rounded skill set on both sides of the ball. He hits the ball to all fields and has cut his chase rate to unlock average offensive potential. His raw power is plus and he could begin to tap into it more as he matures. Barrero’s defensive instincts and agility elevate his average range and plus arm.
• 
  Ranked Florida State League #16 prospect in 2019
  After spending $5 million to sign Garcia out of Cuba, the Reds are already seeing a fantastic return on their investment. He held his own after being sent to the low Class A Midwest League for his pro debut, then spent the 2019 season putting together a breakout performance in the pitcher-friendly FSL. Garcia finished among the top 10 in the league in all three triple-slash categories and led the league with 37 doubles. Garcia has always been lauded for his defensive abilities, but entering the year there were questions about whether his bat would play. After shaking off the rust in his first full season as a pro, his strength returned, and his full potential began to show up. "He's got a big-time arm and good range and good body," one opposing manager said. "If he hits, he's going to be a special player." The Reds sent Garcia to the Arizona Fall League, where a strong campaign could make his breakout season stand out even further.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #33 prospect in 2022
• Ranked Baseball America's #79 prospect in 2021

• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: For a team that rarely spends big on free agents, the Reds were always willing to spend on Cuban international free agents under the old format, where bonuses weren’t strictly limited. The signings of Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias gave a big payoff. Vladimir Gutierrez and Barrero should give the Reds a couple more potentially valuable additions. Barrero signed for $5 million in 2017. A second baseman in Cuba, Barrero quickly took to shortstop in the U.S. A shoulder injury slowed his U.S. debut in 2018, but he had an excellent 2019 season at High-A. On the heels of that, the Reds aggressively promoted him to the majors late in 2020. Barrero showed he wasn’t ready, but he responded by making improvements at the plate in the minors in 2021. He was called up to Cincinnati in September when Kyle Farmer went on the paternity list. When Farmer returned, Barrero got to branch out, playing some second base and center field. He hadn’t played second base in a pro game since 2017 and his first game in center field was in the majors, but he showed his adaptability by picking up the new position quickly. Barrero changed his name (from Jose Garcia) to remember and honor his late mother Tania Barrero. She died in May 2021 because of a coronavirus-related illness.
  
  Scouting Report: Barrero has developed into a solid offensive contributor with above-average power potential and average hitting ability. He is fully capable of crushing fastballs, but his success in the majors will be determined largely by his ability to either better hit or better lay off sliders out of the strike zone. He was regularly victimized by his tendency to chase in his first MLB stint in 2020. In 2021, he did a better job of laying off of sliders well out of the zone that he’d pulled off of in the past, but he’s still vulnerable to good sliders just in or out of the strike zone low and away. Barrero is a plus runner who wisely picks out spots to steal. Defensively, Barrero is an above-average defender at shortstop thanks to a plus arm and solid body control. He is at his best coming in on choppers, which he can confidently barehand and fluidly throw to first. He’s also excellent when he’s fielding balls to his left, but he is less comfortable making plays deep in the hole to his right. He showed his defensive versatility in Cincinnati last September.
  
  The Future: Barrero has used only one of his three options, so there’s still plenty of time for him to settle into his role with the Reds, even if it may not be on Opening Day in 2022. He has some defensive versatility, but the Reds have a long-term answer at second base and Barrero’s bat fits better at shortstop than in center field. Kyle Farmer’s surprising 2021 season means the Reds have another option, but Barrero should be a better defender with a better bat long term.
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  The Reds’ shortstop of the future had his best season of the present in 2021. After finishing strong in High-A in 2019 and then opening eyes at big league spring training and making his MLB debut in 2020, Barrero put together a strong top-to-bottom season at Double-A and Triple-A. He hit .303/.380/.539 with 19 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 85 games at the two levels, also seeing time in Cincinnati. Barrero, who previously played as Jose Garcia, has a well-rounded skill set on both sides of the ball. He hits the ball to all fields and has cut his chase rate to unlock average offensive potential. His raw power is plus and he could begin to tap into it more as he matures. Barrero’s defensive instincts and agility elevate his average range and plus arm.
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  The Reds turned to Barrero, then playing as Jose Garcia, during the shortened 2020 season in dire need of shortstop help despite Barrero having never played in the upper minors. Predictably, he struggled, striking out nearly 38% of the time, but it was clear then Barrero possessed an impressive tool set. Barrero proved it again this year. He made meaningful changes to his approach, posting a career-best 10% walk rate with Louisville as he tried to avoid expanding the zone and chasing offspeed pitches. He does quite a bit of damage when he can square balls up and has all the skills to be a plus defender at shortstop, albeit with more refinement needed. His strides came amid a challenging year. He changed his last name from Garcia to Barrero at the start of the season to honor his mother, who died from Covid-19 complications.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50. Power: 50. Running: 50. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
  
  TRACK RECORD: The Reds have a long history of signing Cuban prospects and have gotten strong payoffs for their proclivity, most notably Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias. Garcia became the latest Cuban to join the Reds when he signed for $5 million as part of their 2016-17 international signing class. Garcia was slowed by a shoulder injury in 2018 but broke out to lead the high Class A Florida State League with 46 extra-base hits in 2019. He hit four home runs in 13 games in spring training with the Reds in 2020, which helped convince the club to fast track him to the majors once baseball resumed after the coronavirus shutdown. The Reds called Garcia up in late August despite the fact he had never played above high Class A and immediately made him their everyday shortstop. He struggled with the aggressive jump and hit .194 before eventually turning the starting job back over to Freddy Galvis, but the Reds still used him as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Jumping to the majors proved to be too much, too soon for Garcia, but he's not a finished product as a hitter. He has good hand-eye coordination, solid bat control in the strike zone and more power than most middle infielders. As bad as his debut was, Garcia has the potential to be an average hitter with average or even a tick above-average power one day. His swing is simple, and his size and strength give him the ability to yank home runs and drive doubles in the gaps. Garcia's approach got pull-heavy in the majors and he had difficulty laying off of breaking balls down and away, giving pitchers an easy plan of attack. Garcia hit .300 against lefties and .167 against righthanders, largely because of his struggles against sliders that broke away from him. Many of Garcia's hitting issues can be chalked up to inexperience, and he has the potential to eventually hit .255-.260 with 15 home runs if he can build off his rough MLB debut. The Reds knew his aggressiveness at the plate was a potential issue, but they brought him up anyway because they love his glove. Garcia has the tools to be a plus defender at shortstop with a quick first step, excellent body control, soft hands, plus range and a plus arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garcia is the Reds' shortstop of the future, but that future might not begin until late 2021 or 2022. He needs more time in the minors to face quality breaking balls in a less pressurized environment. His solid glove will give his bat plenty of chances to catch up.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50. Power: 50. Running: 50. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
  
  TRACK RECORD: The Reds have a long history of signing Cuban prospects and have gotten strong payoffs for their proclivity, most notably Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias. Garcia became the latest Cuban to join the Reds when he signed for $5 million as part of their 2016-17 international signing class. Garcia was slowed by a shoulder injury in 2018 but broke out to lead the high Class A Florida State League with 46 extra-base hits in 2019. He hit four home runs in 13 games in spring training with the Reds in 2020, which helped convince the club to fast track him to the majors once baseball resumed after the coronavirus shutdown. The Reds called Garcia up in late August despite the fact he had never played above high Class A and immediately made him their everyday shortstop. He struggled with the aggressive jump and hit .194 before eventually turning the starting job back over to Freddy Galvis, but the Reds still used him as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Jumping to the majors proved to be too much, too soon for Garcia, but he’s not a finished product as a hitter. He has good hand-eye coordination, solid bat control in the strike zone and more power than most middle infielders. As bad as his debut was, Garcia has the potential to be an average hitter with average or even a tick above-average power one day. His swing is simple, and his size and strength give him the ability to yank home runs and drive doubles in the gaps. Garcia’s approach got pull-heavy in the majors and he had difficulty laying off of breaking balls down and away, giving pitchers an easy plan of attack. Garcia hit .300 against lefties and .167 against righthanders, largely because of his struggles against sliders that broke away from him. Many of Garcia’s hitting issues can be chalked up to inexperience, and he has the potential to eventually hit .255-.260 with 15 home runs if he can build off his rough MLB debut. The Reds knew his aggressiveness at the plate was a potential issue, but they brought him up anyway because they love his glove. Garcia has the tools to be a plus defender at shortstop with a quick first step, excellent body control, soft hands, plus range and a plus arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garcia is the Reds’ shortstop of the future, but that future might not begin until late 2021 or 2022. He needs more time in the minors to face quality breaking balls in a less pressurized environment. His solid glove will give his bat plenty of chances to catch up.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50. Power: 50. Running: 50. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
  
  TRACK RECORD: The Reds have a long history of signing Cuban prospects and have gotten strong payoffs for their proclivity, most notably Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias. Garcia became the latest Cuban to join the Reds when he signed for $5 million as part of their 2016-17 international signing class. Garcia was slowed by a shoulder injury in 2018 but broke out to lead the high Class A Florida State League with 46 extra-base hits in 2019. He hit four home runs in 13 games in spring training with the Reds in 2020, which helped convince the club to fast track him to the majors once baseball resumed after the coronavirus shutdown. The Reds called Garcia up in late August despite the fact he had never played above high Class A and immediately made him their everyday shortstop. He struggled with the aggressive jump and hit .194 before eventually turning the starting job back over to Freddy Galvis, but the Reds still used him as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Jumping to the majors proved to be too much, too soon for Garcia, but he’s not a finished product as a hitter. He has good hand-eye coordination, solid bat control in the strike zone and more power than most middle infielders. As bad as his debut was, Garcia has the potential to be an average hitter with average or even a tick above-average power one day. His swing is simple, and his size and strength give him the ability to yank home runs and drive doubles in the gaps. Garcia’s approach got pull-heavy in the majors and he had difficulty laying off of breaking balls down and away, giving pitchers an easy plan of attack. Garcia hit .300 against lefties and .167 against righthanders, largely because of his struggles against sliders that broke away from him. Many of Garcia’s hitting issues can be chalked up to inexperience, and he has the potential to eventually hit .255-.260 with 15 home runs if he can build off his rough MLB debut. The Reds knew his aggressiveness at the plate was a potential issue, but they brought him up anyway because they love his glove. Garcia has the tools to be a plus defender at shortstop with a quick first step, excellent body control, soft hands, plus range and a plus arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garcia is the Reds’ shortstop of the future, but that future might not begin until late 2021 or 2022. He needs more time in the minors to face quality breaking balls in a less pressurized environment. His solid glove will give his bat plenty of chances to catch up.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Reds tracked Garcia closely during his years on Cuba’s junior national team and went over their international spending limit to sign him for $5 million in 2017. He struggled with an aggressive assignment to low Class A Dayton in his first season but, like many Cuban players, he made great strides in his second year in the U.S. in 2019. Garcia hit .278/.340/.432 in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League and led the circuit with 37 doubles.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Primarily a second baseman in Cuba, Garcia has proven he can handle shortstop. His soft, quick hands give him a plus glove, and he has the footwork and quickness to cover the requisite ground. Garcia’s arm strength is plus and has become better as his internal clock has improved. The game doesn’t speed up on him anymore after previously being a problem. Garcia’s swing is repeatable and he shows some ability to drive the ball, but he’s a contact hitter who uses the whole field more than a home run threat. His footspeed is average and won’t hurt his ability to stick up the middle.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garcia’s defense is an asset and should help him get to the big leagues. If he continues to progress as a hitter, he can be an everyday regular.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Reds tracked Garcia closely during his years on Cuba's junior national team and went over their international spending limit to sign him for $5 million in 2017. He struggled with an aggressive assignment to low Class A Dayton in his first season but, like many Cuban players, he made great strides in his second year in the U.S. in 2019. Garcia hit .278/.340/.432 in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League and led the circuit with 37 doubles.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Primarily a second baseman in Cuba, Garcia has proven he can handle shortstop. His soft, quick hands give him a plus glove, and he has the footwork and quickness to cover the requisite ground. Garcia's arm strength is plus and has become better as his internal clock has improved. The game doesn't speed up on him anymore after previously being a problem. Garcia's swing is repeatable and he shows some ability to drive the ball, but he's a contact hitter who uses the whole field more than a home run threat. His footspeed is average and won't hurt his ability to stick up the middle.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garcia's defense is an asset and should help him get to the big leagues. If he continues to progress as a hitter, he can be an everyday regular.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  After spending $5 million to sign Garcia out of Cuba, the Reds are already seeing a fantastic return on their investment. He held his own after being sent to the low Class A Midwest League for his pro debut, then spent the 2019 season putting together a breakout performance in the pitcher-friendly FSL. Garcia finished among the top 10 in the league in all three triple-slash categories and led the league with 37 doubles. Garcia has always been lauded for his defensive abilities, but entering the year there were questions about whether his bat would play. After shaking off the rust in his first full season as a pro, his strength returned, and his full potential began to show up. "He's got a big-time arm and good range and good body," one opposing manager said. "If he hits, he's going to be a special player." The Reds sent Garcia to the Arizona Fall League, where a strong campaign could make his breakout season stand out even further.