Where does Barreto fit in with A’s after Profar trade?

After the A’s were eliminated by the Yankees in the AL wildcard game last October, Franklin Barreto departed the visiting clubhouse at Yankee Stadium with hope.

Aware of Jed Lowrie’s impending free agency, Barreto knew the A’s starting second base job could be had. No longer blocked, the path was clear.

But things don’t always work out exactly as originally envisioned.

Before Lowrie even found a new club, the A’s pulled off a December three-team deal to acquired Jurickson Profar from the Texas Rangers. In a conference call to discuss the deal, A’s general manager David Forst made it clear Profar would be the everyday second baseman. Once again, Barreto is blocked. “I never try to think about what the team does,” Barreto said when asked if he was surprised by the offseason trade. “I just work hard and look to find the opportunity by doing my job.”

Barreto, 22, ended up arriving at A’s camp on time despite trouble getting his visa. To obtain his visa back home in Venezuela, Barreto was sent to get it picked up in the Dominican Republic. In a race to get to Arizona, Barreto boarded a flight in the Dominican Republic, made a connection in Miami, and arrived in Phoenix Thursday night.

But even if Barreto were late by a day or two as the A’s originally thought could be the case, he’s still probably the most game-ready player in the clubhouse.

A’S / 10