Cincinnati Reds Bench Options: Jose Barrero or Josh Harrison?

The Cincinnati Reds signed Josh Harrison to a minor league contract on Monday.

Does he have the edge to be their 26th man or will Jose Barrero get the nod? 

Barrero is penciled into the 26-man roster, as of now, due to his lack of minor leage options. The Reds cannot send him to Louisville without exposing him to waivers. He can play the outfield and bats right-handed, so he would fit a need the Reds have, if he can prove to reliable at the plate. 

Harrison is also right-handed and can play just about everywhere. Unlike Barrero, Harrison has been a major leaguer for 13 years and has proven to be a reliable bench bat.

Should the Reds choose Harrison, they will likely trade Barrero. The Reds former top prospect would likely be claimed off waivers, so Nick Krall will attempt to get something in return. 

The Reds will likely return to Great American Ballpark with Barrero at the end of the bench and Harrison headed to Triple-A Louisville. The veteran will be the next man up if Barrero continues to struggle at the plate. 

The question is, can the Reds afford it? In a year where they are expected to contend for a division title, there is little room for guys to “prove it” at the big league level.

Barrero has been the classic case of a player who is able to rip the cover off the ball everywhere but the MLB level.

Baseball is hard, MLB-level baseball is ridiculously hard. The Reds could be punting at-bats, and jeopardizing wins, by being unwilling to admit when it’s time to move on from a former top prospect.

Should the Reds pick Harrison or Barrero? It looks like Harrison is the safer option. Don't be shocked if the veteran wins the battle if he shows he has plenty of gas left in the tank in spring training.