Alex Reyes

Alex Reyes and the Cardinals have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $900,000 deal.

Fantasy Impact

Reyes is preparing to pitch the 2021 season as a starter. The former prospect has dealt with injuries over the years, which prevented him from reaching his full potential. Reyes pitched well in 2020, owning a (2-1) record along with a 3.20 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a 27:14 K:BB over 19 2/3 innings. He will compete in Spring Training for a rotation spot in 2021.

Cardinals GM John Mozeliak told reporters Wednesday that pitcher Alex Reyes "should be preparing to pitch innings as a starter" this season and that he would be in the discussion to try to earn a spot in the rotation.

Fantasy Impact

The 26-year-old former top pitching prospect has struggled mightily to stay healthy to this point in his young career but was fairly effective out of the bullpen for St. Louis in 2020. Reyes appeared in 15 games during the regular season, registering a 3.20 ERA and 1.42 WHIP while striking out 27 batters in 19.2 innings. However, the Cardinals intend to still give him an opportunity to work as a starter, where he would provide the most value to the St. Louis organization and fantasy owners alike. Keep an eye on him in spring training as he could make for a decent late-round flier depending on his role with the club.

Alex Reyes struggled in the Cardinals Game 3 loss to the Padres on Friday when he allowed three runs (one earned) with three strikeouts and two walks over two innings.

Fantasy Impact

Reyes replaced Jack Flaherty who held the Padres to one run over his initial six frames. The 26-year old immediately ran into trouble when he loaded the bases without recording an out to start the seventh inning. He wasn't helped by his defense as two costly errors from Kolten Wong and Tommy Edman extended the inning. He eventually wiggled out of the jam two runs later but then gave up a solo tater to Jake Cronenworth in the eighth inning for his only earned run. The former top prospect heads into the offseason without a solidified role on the Cardinals. Whether he starts next year in the rotation or the bullpen is to be determined.

Alex Reyes came in with two outs in the eighth inning and a runner on second base. He recorded four outs without allowing a baserunner for his first career postseason save. The Cardinals lead the injury-plagued Padres 1-0 in their Wildcard series. Adam Wainwright will take on Zach Davies in Game 2 on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact

Reyes didn't record a strikeout on Wednesday. The back end of the Cardinals' bullpen has been in flux since a late season injury to closer Giovanny Gallegos. Gallegos has returned but been unable to reclaim his role as closer. He appeared on Wednesday in a high leverage situation and recorded the win. Reyes has recorded the last two saves for the Cardinals, pitching more than an inning each time.

Alex Reyes came in with one out and runners on first and second in the eighth inning and proceeded to strike out Ryan Braun and Jedd Gyorko to end the threat. He ran into trouble in the ninth allowing one earned run on two hits and a walk but the Cardinals still won the game 5-2.

Fantasy Impact

Reyes is the seventh Cardinal pitcher to record a save this season. He finishes the year 2-1 with one save, two holds, and a 3.20 ERA, 4.54 xFIP, 12.36 K/9 and 1.93 K/BB over 19 2/3 innings pitched. He is unlikely to receive any additional save chances in the post season.