May 5, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Jose Barrero (27) reacts after hitting a two run double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Former Cincinnati Reds Infielder Elects Free Agency

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Greg Kuffner | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 4:33 PM ET

Former Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Jose Barrero was designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this week has rejected an outright assignment to the minor leagues and has elected free agency, according to Steve Adams of MLBTradeRumors.

The 27-year-old slashed .138/.194/.276 in 22 games for the Cardinals.

Barrero played for the Reds from 2020 to 2024 and appeared in 139 games. The former top prospect hit just .182/.238/.257 with 21 extra-base hits in that timespan.

He apparently has interest from a team in Japan but is going to explore his options around Major League Baseball first.

You can see the full post below:

Source: INF/OF Jose Barrero, who was recently designated for assignment by the #STLCards, cleared waivers and rejected an outright assignment in favor of free agency.

Barrero has interest from a team in Japan’s #NPB but will explore options around MLB as well.
— Steve Adams (@Adams_Steve) June 27, 2025