Matt Davidson was one of 34 players to enter free agency at the end of last week. The former Oakland A’s corner infielder will now have some company from the organization.
On Thursday, 15 more players entered free agency, the majority of which had more than seven years of time in the minors. A’s outfielder Luis Barrera was part of that group as he looks for an opportunity to prove himself elsewhere.
Luis Barrera hoping to prove his worth away from Oakland A’s
There was a time when Barrera was an intriguing prospect for the A’s. He had a breakout campaign in 2019 after years in the lower levels, looking as though he could be a piece for the future. Injuries limited his time in Double-A that year, but he still showed enough where he appeared as though he could be a future option in the outfield.
Barrera was just unable to do anything with his opportunities in Oakland. He received 93 plate appearances, producing a .235/.290/.329 batting line with five doubles and a homer. Although he made respectable contact, striking out just 19 times, he did not do much when the bat met the ball.
Despite those shortcomings, there is enough in his profile for teams to be interested. His innate ability to make contact could turn into more of a weapon with different guidance. His ability to play all three outfield positions and plus speed would make him an ideal candidate as a fourth outfielder. But it comes down to proving that he can perform at a respectable level in the majors.
He should be able to get a chance. Teams will take a flyer on skills. Barrera’s speed and contact ability would be enough to get a look, even if it is on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Maybe, with a different environment, he can become the player the A’s had hoped for.
Luis Barrera is the second member of the Oakland A’s to enter free agency thus far. This could be his best chance at getting another look at the majors.