Cardinals to option Saggese, call up Barrero

ST. LOUIS -- In an attempt to fortify their middle-infield depth while also continuing the development of one of their top prospects, the Cardinals are planning to promote Jose Barrero and option Thomas Saggese to Triple-A Memphis on Monday, per sources close to the team. The Cardinals have not officially announced the moves.

The Cardinals must make a corresponding move to create a spot on their 40-player roster to add the 27-year-old Barrero, who they signed as a free agent on Nov. 19, 2024, with an invite to Spring Training.

Barrero is expected to join the Cardinals in Cincinnati on Monday for the four-game series against the Reds. Coincidentally, Barrero was once a top prospect in the Reds' system, and he made his MLB debut with that organization on Aug. 27, 2020. Barrero, who can play shortstop and all three outfield positions, played 139 MLB games with the Reds from 2020-23 and hit .186 with four home runs and 32 RBIs.

The speedy Barrero impressed the Cardinals in Spring Training when he hit two home runs, drove in eight runs and stole four bases in 24 games. He has been one of the top performers for Memphis this season, hitting .299 with five doubles, one triple, four homers and 13 RBIs in 23 games. He recently strung together a 19-game on-base streak, while also stealing five bases in six attempts.

Barrero also gives the Cardinals another option in center field behind dynamic speedster Victor Scott II. While Scott’s defense has been stellar and he’s perfect in nine stolen-base attempts, the lefty hitter is slashing just .190/.292/.238 against left-handed pitching. Barrero would provide an option from the right side of the plate.

Saggese, the No. 5 prospect in the Cardinals' system, per MLB Pipeline, filled in nicely for injured shortstop Masyn Winn earlier in the month and had a hit in each of his first nine starts.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that the club gave thought to sending Saggese down to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday when Winn was activated off the injured list, but they instead optioned center fielder Michael Siani and kept Saggese as protection in case Winn’s back spasms became an issue again. Promoting the 6-foot-4, 211-pound Barrero gives the Cards some protection on the infield and the outfield.

Saggese, 23, went 0-for-6 while starting at second base on Saturday and Sunday, but he did impress the Cardinals with a stellar defensive play on a Saturday liner that ricocheted off the glove of pitcher Sonny Gray.

“That was sick,” Marmol said of the diving stop made by Saggese in Saturday’s 6-5 win against the Brewers. “I saw him being very athletic and I didn’t think there was going to be a play made there. But for him to, one, get to the ball and then make the play, that was awesome.”