St. Louis Cardinals: Alex Reyes is in play for the closer role

Jordan Hicks will likely be the St. Louis Cardinals’ primary closer this season. But to get creative, and to help preserve him for later in the season, the team could turn to alternative options in the ninth inning.

One potential option is Alex Reyes, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, who adds that Cardinals manager Mike Shildt is “clearly intrigued” by the possibility of Reyes and Hicks commanding the ninth inning.

If there has been one revelation from spring training that is not Nolan Arenado related, it’s that the Cardinals are increasingly optimistic about Reyes this season. The team has openly said they hope for him to pitch 100+ innings out of the bullpen, most likely as a multi-inning reliever. But having him pitch the ninth is the latest vote of confidence for arguably one of the most talented players on the team.

Reyes has always had talent, but injuries have kept him off the mound for long stretches of time, most recently undergoing another procedure following Tommy John surgery. Now that he has healthy, the reviews from people who have seen Reyes this spring have ranged anywhere from “sick” to “dominant.”

If he is able to stay healthy, which has been the biggest question mark surrounding his career, he could be their most important bullpen piece. He gives the Cardinals flexibility in the bullpen. He provides them with a pitcher whose stuff is as good as anyone on the team.

Put together, Reyes’ tools make him one of the most intriguing players on any team entering the season. And if he translates that success to the regular season, he makes an already dangerous Cardinals team that much more potent.