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Luis Barrera should be part of Oakland A’s outfield picture in 2022

By David Hill

Feb 23, 2020; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Luis Barrera (79) makes the running catch for an out against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at HohoKam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2020; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Luis Barrera (79) makes the running catch for an out against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at HohoKam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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As it currently stands, the Oakland A’s will need to replace two pieces in their starting outfield this offseason. Starling Marte and Mark Canha are both free agents and it is unlikely that the A’s will keep either due to financial considerations. That may not be as much of a concern, but Ramon Laureano is suspended for the first few weeks of the 2022 campaign, leaving yet another opening on the roster.

While the A’s are going to look for bargains in free agency, they are likely going to raid their farm system for anything they can to fill out their roster. There will be plenty of opportunities for players to make an impact. One of those players should be Luis Barrera.

Luis Barrera has prime opportunity with Oakland A’s in 2022

Although he has been in the A’s system since 2013, it took a while for Barrera to break through. He finally started to live up to expectations in 2018, hitting the ball well to all fields. That continued into 2019, and again with his promotion to Triple-A this season. Barrera even made his major league debut, getting five plate appearances over his four games.

His performance at Triple-A shows that he is close to being ready for the majors. He has produced a respectable .264/.342/.378 batting line, hitting 13 doubles, six triples, and three homers in his 340 plate appearances. Barrera has displayed solid speed with his ten steals and solid contact skills, drawing 36 walks with 60 strikeouts.

There are questions about Barrera’s future role at the major league level. His ability to play all three spots in the outfield and strong arm could turn him into a fourth outfielder, but his pure hitting ability gives him the potential to be an intriguing starter.

No matter how the A’s envision his future, there should be a place for Barrera on the 2022 A’s roster. The entire outfield picture is a gigantic question mark, with center the only certainty once Laureano returns. There will be openings, and Barrera has the type of skillset and tools that could lead to a major role next year.

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The Oakland A’s will need to find help in the outfield next season. Luis Barrera has a prime opportunity to play a major role.