1. Alex Reyes, RHP
Birthdate: 8/29/94 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AAA, MLB
Stats in 2016: 65 1/3 IP, 4.96 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 11 BB%, 31.96 K% (minor league stats only)
Reyes may have been the first to circumvent the draft by moving to a Latin country and establishing residency in order to get a significant bonus, something multiple players have done since he did this in 2012 after moving from New Jersey to the Dominican.
The Cardinals were more than happy to sign him as an 18 year old with front line stuff in a mid-90s fastball that can reach triple digits along with a tremendous power curve.
Reyes has a very solid change, and he’s been willing to use it ever since signing, which has allowed him to develop his usage, sequencing and control of the pitch.
The biggest issue for Reyes has been his control and command of all of his pitches as he’s filled out into his 6’3 frame, but he’s found that to be much less of an issue since roughly mid-season 2015 when his delivery seemed to “click”, and he’s been able to repeat it well since.
He did have a very good exposure to the big leagues in 2016, used in relief initially and making 5 solid starts for the Cardinals.
Reyes is one of the absolute elite prospects in the game and a guy who profiles as a front line starter. He’ll start the 2017 season in St. Louis.
Next: Newcomer To Watch