Barrett struggled to perform consistently in the season. He committed fifteen errors during the course of the season, while earning .891 fielding percentage as a catcher. In addition, he hit for only a .214 batting average, with only a .288 slugging percentage. These difficulties combined to prompt the Expos to send him to the minors again. After playing thirty games with the Ottawa Lynx of the International League, Barrett returned to the major leagues before 2001. He was named onto the team's opening day lineup, and eventually earned a full-time spot on the team. He was one the Expos' most consistent hitters, and posted career high statistics that season; leading all National League catchers with thirty-three doubles. Barrett also managed to improve his defensive performance by raising his fielding percentage to .993, while only committing seven errors.