After struggling to hit the Mendoza Line at Triple-A Omaha, Barmes decided to opt out of his deal, in hopes of giving himself a fresh start somewhere else.

After a very poor 2015, Barmes will play for the Royals organization, likely playing for their Triple-A affiliate. There isn't any room for him at shortstop with Alcedis Escobar already occupying the position, but he could find himself on the roster if one of the Royals alternate infielders gets injured.

After Barmes was released by the Royals earlier in the week, the team is looking to bring him back with a minor-league deal. He is nothing more than some depth in the organization and if re-signed will be a long shot to make the major league roster at any point.

Not surprisingly, Barmes failed to sign a major league contract after the Padres declined his $2 million option this offseason. Barmes has failed to hit above .250 since 2008, and hasn't recorded double digit home runs since 2011. He's never been a strong offensive player, and at 36 years old that's unlikely to change.