The St. Louis Cardinals have made a clear indication they may be preparing to sell at the upcoming MLB trade deadline by claiming Garrett Hampson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. To make room on their roster, the Cardinals designated former Reds prospect Jose Barrero for assignment, marking a notable shuffle involving two former Cincinnati players.

Cardinals Acquire Hampson After Reds Release Him

Garrett Hampson was recently released by the Cincinnati Reds as they made roster adjustments to accommodate prospects Rece Hinds and Yosver Zulueta. Despite Hampson’s limited performance this season—going 3-for-18 in nine games—the Reds did not expect another team to claim him. The Cardinals stepped in, absorbing the remaining portion of Hampson’s Major League contract, thus transferring any financial obligations from Cincinnati to St. Louis.

Jose Barrero’s Struggles Lead to His Removal from the Roster

In order to accommodate Hampson, the Cardinals removed Jose Barrero from their 40-man roster. Barrero, once a highly touted Reds shortstop prospect, has struggled with a .469 OPS and a 4-for-29 batting line this season. His overall career statistics—a .182 batting average with a .238 on-base percentage and a .257 slugging percentage—highlight his ongoing difficulties at the major league level.

Barrero’s promising future with the Reds never fully unfolded. After repeated setbacks and inconsistent play, Cincinnati released him prior to the start of this season. He later signed with the Texas Rangers’ minor league system but suffered a season-ending injury that halted any chance of a big-league comeback. Reds fans have since turned their focus to Elly De La Cruz, who has emerged as a standout shortstop and is on track for a second All-Star appearance in 2024.

Implications of the Cardinals’ Latest Roster Changes

The Cardinals’ decision to claim Hampson while removing Barrero underscores the challenges both players face in maintaining major league opportunities. Hampson, a veteran utility player at age 30, now has a fresh chance with St. Louis, while Barrero’s future in the majors remains uncertain. For the Reds, moving on from these players reflects their confidence in current shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who continues to develop into a key contributor for the team. This roster move by the Cardinals may also signal a strategic shift as they evaluate potential trades ahead of the deadline, balancing immediate roster needs against longer-term rebuilding efforts.