Cardinals: 5 players St. Louis may need to cut bait on

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 29: Tyler O'Neill #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals rounds the bases on his home run in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 29, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 29: Tyler O'Neill #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals rounds the bases on his home run in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 29, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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St. Louis Cardinals Alex Reyes
Alex Reyes #29 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the New York Mets. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Alex Reyes

Like Tyler O’Neill, Alex Reyes was a breakout performer for much of 2021, but has taken major steps back over the last year.

Reyes was a National League All-Star in 2021 after a brilliant first half as the Cardinals closer. Even after struggling during the second half, Reyes still finished with a 3.24 ERA with 29 saves in 34 opportunities. But still, his unraveling was very concerning.

Reyes went on to famously give up the walk-off home run to Chris Taylor in the Wild Card Game and then missed all of 2022 with a shoulder injury. With a projected salary of $2.85 million and being one year away from free agency, both Reyes and St. Louis may desire changes of scenery in 2023.