MLB Prospects: 5 Possible Breakout Stars

5. Alex Reyes, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

Alex Reyes is one of very few pitching prospects that has been given the “potential ace” tag. Aces are hard to find around the league at the highest level, so it makes sense that it’s hard to find an ace prospect as well. What gives Reyes that potential is the impressiveness of his raw stuff. Such is the case with most top pitching prospects. As is also the case for most top pitching prospects, finding the strike zone is somewhat of a problem.

Reyes, like other ace potential prospect Lucas Giolito, has an arsenal that features primarily a four seam fastball and curveball. Reyes’ fastball has high velocity and movement, which combines to make the pitch a plus offering. His curveball is also a plus pitch that misses bats. As a third offering he has a changeup that isn’t great but projects to be just about an average pitch. Two plus pitches and a third pitch to mix things up is about all it takes to get that ace tag.

As mentioned before, Reyes still struggles with command. It could be a mechanical adjustment or simply experience that allow Reyes to find the control of pitches he needs to reach his full potential. Regardless of how Reyes is able to find a consistent feel for the strike zone, if he does so he will rise to one of the best young pitchers in the game. The chances of Reyes doing exactly that aren’t huge, but they are enough to make him a great candidate to have a breakout season.

The Cardinals would greatly appreciate the emergence of Reyes as a top of the rotation starter. Last year they missed the playoffs because of injuries in the field and failures from the pitching staff. If they could remain healthy and receive an impressive rookie season from Reyes, they could easily return to the postseason. Reyes also has a good chance to win the NL Rookie of the Year award, which would make him the second pitcher in a row to receive one of the two Rookie of the Year awards handed out each season.