Cardinals Promote Alex Reyes: Prospect Worth Adding?

By Brad Kelly | Aug 9, 2016

Aug 9, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Alex Reyes (61) is congratulated by catcher Yadier Molina (4) after pitching in his Major League debut during the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium. The Reds won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Alex Reyes has been promoted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Should the top prospect be a player to watch off the waiver wire?

The St. Louis Cardinals are in a true battle for the N.L. wildcard, and they hope that addition of their top prospect, Alex Reyes, will put them over the top. Reyes will work out of the bullpen initially, and the arm talent is undeniable.

Alexander Reyes entered the season as a consensus top-10 prospect in MLB. He has one of the best arms in the minors, featuring a mid-90s fastball that can reach the triple digits, a nasty 12-6 curveball, and a changeup. The 21-year-old righty throws easy gas, and he looks poised to make an impact for the Cards this season. The team look for him to help late in games, which is where the Cards lack a potentially overpowering arm.

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Reyes’ 2016 got off to a rocky start as he was hit with a lengthy suspension. He only has 14 starts at AAA this season, but his unsightly 4.96 ERA has been worrisome. With such an electric arm, command is always going to be a bugaboo, and his 32 BB are of concern. But, his 12.8 S0/9 is tantalizing, as was his dominance in the minors before this season.

For fantasy owners, Reyes not being in the starting rotation does hurt his stock, but he could provide sneaky value out of the Cards bullpen down the stretch. With the collapse of Trevor Rosenthal, and with Seung-hwan Oh being one of the few consistent options they have, there is clearly an opening for Reyes to lock down a role in high leverage situations.

Alex Reyes gave fantasy owners and Cards’ fans alike a little taste of his arm talent during his debut on Aug. 9th, where he came in and tossed a scoreless inning. He struck out one, and hit 101 mph with his fastball, further showcasing why he profiles he could be a major weapon.

The Cardinals did not call Reyes up just to use him in mop up roles, or in situation where they are down three in the 9th inning down like he did during his debut. Making it just a matter of time before he claims a set up man role, or eventually maybe even the closer role. In those leagues that reward RP, other than closers, picking up Reyes should be a must. The K will be there, and the Holds will surely come as well as he gains the team’s trust.

When picking up waiver wire player or prospects, the goal is to target upside. Alex Reyes offers talent, upside, and is in a favorable situation, making him one of the more intriguing adds out there. Owners should snag him now, before everyone realizes just how dominant his stuff could play late in games.

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