Alex Reyes, once a highly touted pitching prospect, has struggled significantly in recent years, particularly in the closer role for the St. Louis Cardinals. His inconsistent performance and tendency to blow saves have left many wondering, What Happened To Alex Reyes? This article examines his recent struggles, analyzes the underlying issues, and explores potential solutions for his future in baseball.
From Top Prospect to Inconsistent Reliever
Reyes initially burst onto the scene with incredible potential, showcasing a blazing fastball and devastating breaking pitches. However, injuries and control issues plagued his development, hindering his progress toward becoming a starting pitcher. He eventually transitioned to the bullpen, where he experienced both moments of brilliance and frustrating meltdowns.
A key turning point in Reyes’s career was his appointment as the Cardinals’ closer. While he initially found some success, his high walk rate and susceptibility to giving up home runs ultimately led to blown saves and lost games. One particularly notable instance was a crushing loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates where Reyes surrendered a two-run lead in the ninth inning. This game, along with other similar instances, highlighted the fragility of his performance in high-leverage situations.
The Walk Rate Problem: A Deeper Dive
A recurring theme in discussions about Reyes’s struggles is his elevated walk rate. While some analysts have argued that walks are an acceptable outcome compared to balls in play, particularly for pitchers with high strikeout rates, Reyes’s case presents a counterargument. His relatively low BABIP (batting average on balls in play) suggests that allowing batters to put the ball in play might be a more favorable outcome than issuing free passes.
Furthermore, Reyes’s strikeout rate, while above average for a reliever, isn’t high enough to fully justify his high walk rate. His ground ball rate also doesn’t support the argument that walks are less damaging for him. This combination of factors points to a fundamental issue with his command and control, leading to an increased likelihood of runs scored.
Exploring Alternative Roles and Future Possibilities
Given his ongoing struggles as a closer, the question arises: what’s next for Alex Reyes? Some have suggested a return to a starting role, potentially allowing him to work through his control issues in a less pressurized environment. Others believe his future remains in the bullpen, but perhaps in a lower-leverage role.
A potential solution could involve stretching Reyes out as a multi-inning reliever or even as a spot starter. This approach would allow him to build up his pitch count and potentially regain some of the form that made him such a promising prospect. By gradually increasing his workload and focusing on consistent mechanics, Reyes might be able to rediscover his command and unlock his full potential.
A Committee Approach to Closing Games
In the meantime, the Cardinals might benefit from adopting a closer-by-committee approach, utilizing other reliable relievers in high-leverage situations. This strategy would alleviate the pressure on Reyes and allow him to focus on developing his skills without the burden of saving games. By leveraging the strengths of different relievers based on matchups and game situations, the Cardinals could improve their overall bullpen effectiveness. This approach could involve pitchers like Giovanny Gallegos, Genesis Cabrera, Luis Garcia, and T.J. McFarland.
While Reyes’s future remains uncertain, the possibility of him regaining his top form still exists. By addressing his control issues, exploring different roles, and focusing on consistent performance, Alex Reyes could potentially revitalize his career and fulfill his early promise. Whether he returns to the closer role, transitions to the starting rotation, or becomes a valuable multi-inning reliever, his journey will continue to be a compelling storyline in the world of baseball.
