Relying on bullpen catcher Kleininger Teran to translate his responses from Spanish to English for the first eight questions regarding his return to the major leagues, Cardinals utility player Jose Barrero eventually chose to answer the ninth question himself—with confidence and clarity.
When asked how he stayed mentally strong after struggling over parts of four seasons with the Reds (2020–2023) and wondering if he’d get another shot in the majors, the Cuban native delivered a heartfelt response in English.
“Competing every day and winning—that’s my mindset,” Barrero said. “That’s what matters most. If you win, everything else falls into place.”
Despite an early-morning journey from Norfolk, Virginia to Cincinnati on Monday, Barrero didn’t see action in the Cardinals’ 3-1 loss to the Reds. The team scored early after back-to-back doubles from Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Arenado but couldn’t produce additional runs. A key moment came in the fifth when, despite two early baserunners, Reds catcher Jose Trevino turned a bunt into a force out. Nootbaar then hit a 104.9-mph shot, but it was snagged for a double play by second baseman Matt McLain.
“You’re looking for runs in that situation, but Trevino made a solid play,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “You want a big inning, especially with how Nootbaar has been hitting. But it didn’t happen.”
Now 27, Barrero is carrying himself with renewed confidence after revamping his swing under the guidance of Cardinals hitting coach Brant Brown. That offseason work helped him excel at Triple-A Memphis, where he hit .299 with five doubles, a triple, four home runs, and 13 RBIs over 23 games.
That performance earned him a promotion to the majors, a significant milestone after spending all of last season with Triple-A Round Rock in the Rangers system. Barrero said he’s a completely different player now than the one who hit just .186 across 139 MLB games with Cincinnati.
“My mindset is completely different now,” said Barrero, who recently reached base in 19 straight games and swiped five bases for Memphis. “I enjoy the game more and compete better. That’s helped me understand things more clearly. I’m here to give everything I’ve got.”
His promotion meant infielder Thomas Saggese, the Cardinals’ No. 5 prospect, was sent down to gain more regular playing time. The team showed their confidence in Barrero, who will split time at shortstop and center field, by designating pitcher Ryan Loutos for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot.
“[Barrero] had a strong start,” said Marmol. “Ben Johnson [Redbirds manager] told us the swing changes were showing up in games. Defensively, he’s looked great at short and feels very comfortable in center field.”
Returning to the majors in Cincinnati carried personal meaning for Barrero, who was once the Reds’ top prospect and Minor League Player of the Year in 2021. He debuted in 2020 with considerable hype, similar to current Reds star Elly De La Cruz, thanks to his impressive tools and athleticism.
Although offensive struggles held him back, Barrero said he still cherishes his time with the Reds.
“I lived near the ballpark, spent almost three or four years here, and ate a lot of Dominican food nearby,” he said. “But now I’m on a new team, and I’m giving them everything I have.”
Barrero also reflected on his late mother, Tania, who passed away from COVID-19 in Cuba in 2021. Her memory inspired him to change his last name from Garcia to Barrero, honoring the woman who supported his baseball dreams. As he returns to the majors, thoughts of both his parents—his father also once dreamed of playing professionally—stay close to his heart.
“Every second I’m here, I’m going to make the most of it,” he said. “My parents would be very proud of me.”
