Despite strong numbers, Cardinals option Saggese for utility man Barrero Monday

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The St. Louis Cardinals announced a roster move Monday that may seem puzzling on the surface, optioning strong-performing infielder Thomas Saggese back to Triple-A Memphis.

Jose Barrero had his contract selected by the Cardinals as the corresponding roster move. RHP Ryan Loutos was designated for assignment to make room for Barrero on the 40-man roster.

INF/OF Jose Barrero has been selected from Memphis (AAA). He will wear #27.

INF Thomas Saggese has been optioned to Memphis. pic.twitter.com/7Pn3qfYOLa
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 28, 2025

Saggese was added to the St. Louis roster when Masyn Winn hit the injured list with back spasms earlier this month, but when Winn returned, Saggese initially remained on the club after a strong showing in his numbers at the plate and his versatility in the field.

Days later, though, Saggese is Memphis-bound as playing time had become more sporadic for the 23-year-old infielder whose development is still a priority for the organization--in a year marked by an emphasis on consistent playing time for players like Nolan Gorman who have not yet reached their potential at the big-league level, Saggese’s the victim of a numbers game in St. Louis in St. Louis for the time being.

Rather than spend the majority of his days on the Cardinal bench as a result of those previous commitments to Gorman, Jordan Walker and others, the club wants to see Saggese getting everyday opportunities to hone his craft at a lower level.

What it means is a chance for Jose Barrero to prove himself in a bench role. A former top prospect and big-leaguer with the Cincinnati Reds, Barrero is a 27-year-old journeyman who saw an uptick in his productivity in spring training after ing the Cardinals organization over the winter.

He carried that success into the beginning of the season in Memphis, where he carried a .299 batting average and .913 OPS while slugging four home runs in 101 plate appearances. Now, the versatile athlete who has appeared in games at AAA as a shortstop, third baseman and center fielder provides another look at a right-handed option off Oliver Marmol’s bench.

The Cardinals will hope the change of scenery can add a boost to Barrero’s lifetime .497 OPS in MLB play as the Cardinals begin a four-game set in his old stomping grounds of Cincinnati on Monday night.