photo: Tres Barrera (Scott Taetsch/USA TODAY Sports)
The St. Louis Cardinals signed catcher Tres Barrera to a minor league contract with an invitation to big-league spring training camp. Who is Barrera and how does he fit?
St. Louis Cardinals announcement
We have signed C Tres Barrera to a minor league contract for 2023 with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.
Barrera, 28, has appeared in 51 career games with Washington since making his MLB debut in 2019. He has been assigned uniform no. 63. pic.twitter.com/632UOtshPQ
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) January 20, 2023
Brian Walton’s take
It is common for the Cardinals to carry a veteran MLB catcher at Triple-A Memphis both in case of emergency and to work with the other backstop, typically a prospect.
For 2023, that prospect is Ivan Herrera, ranked no. 7 on The Cardinal Nation’s Top 50 Prospect List. Having left the organization and the Memphis roster since the end of last season are veteran catchers Austin Allen and Clint Coulter, with our no. 33 prospect Pedro Pages likely the third catcher in the Redbirds’ catching mix for the upcoming season. Rule 5 addition Jose Alvarez (from Houston’s system) may also compete for a Triple-A roster spot behind the plate.
Barrera, 28, was Washington’s sixth-round selection in the 2016 draft from the University of Texas. He was an All-Star in High-A in 2018 and Double-A in 2019. Barrera made his MLB debut in September 2019 and was added to the Nats’ 40-man roster at that time.
Part of the 60-man player pool in 2020, the Nats’ then-19th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline was suspended just before the delayed season began. His penalty was 80 games after a failed test for the PED DHCMT. Barrera appealed but the result was confirmed by an arbitrator.
He played winter ball in the Dominican Republic and in 2021 and 2022, went up and down numerous times between Washington and Triple-A Rochester.
Following last season, the Nats outrighted Barrera off their 40-man roster and he immediately declared free agency, as was his right.
Want to thank the Washington Nationals organization for giving me the chance to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player. Forever grateful for the opportunities and relationships made. Excited for next chapter.
Go Cards! 🤙🏼— Tres Barrera (@TresBarrera13) January 20, 2023
In parts of three seasons with Washington, the right-handed hitter received 162 plate appearances and slashed .231/.317/.315/.631. Barrera’s career Triple-A line is very similar at .228/.320/.356/.676. In his minor league career, Barrera has a 25.2% caught stealing rate (106 of 421 attempts).
Barrera becomes the 10th catcher in St. Louis’ camp and seventh non-roster invitee. Overall, the Cardinals now have 23 NRIs and a full 40-man roster for 63 players in total invited to report to Jupiter in about three weeks.
For more
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Insight on Cardinals’ 2023 Minors Coaches and Player Development Assignments
Not yet a member?
If you enjoyed this article, please consider joining The Cardinal Nation to receive the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
Follow Brian Walton on Twitter.
© 2023 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.