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St. Louis Cardinals solidifying bullpen plans for 2022

By David Hill

Aug 12, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Alex Reyes (29) reacts after striking out Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (not pictured) to end the game at PNC Park. The Cardinals won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Alex Reyes (29) reacts after striking out Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (not pictured) to end the game at PNC Park. The Cardinals won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The St. Louis Cardinals have been making news with their relief corps over the past few days. They made the first signing following the lockout by adding reliever Drew VerHagen to a two year deal, adding an intriguing arm to a bullpen that needed work.

Part of the reason why the Cardinals bullpen was considered a question mark involved two of their current pitchers. There had been reports that both Jordan Hicks and Alex Reyes, two important pieces in their relief corps over the years, would be stretched out to compete for spots in the rotation.

St. Louis Cardinals bullpen gets clearer for 2022

Those plans may have changed. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak indicated that Hicks and Reyes may remain in their current roles for 2022 as getting them stretched out will be difficult with the shortened spring training. While he also said that he needs to see where both pitchers are moving forward, adding them to the rotation is not going to be a priority.

Frankly, it makes sense. Reyes had thrown 72.2 innings in the majors from 2016 through 2020, missing the entire 2017 season due to Tommy John surgery. He emerged as an All Star caliber closer last year, notching 29 saves while posting a 3.24 ERA and a 1.335 WHiP in his 72.1 innings, striking out 95 batters albeit with a bloated 52 walks.

Hicks is known for his high octane fastball but struggled with injuries last season. He was sidelined due to elbow inflammation in May and was lost for the year after ten appearances. In that time, he allowed six runs on five hits and ten walks, striking out ten. Stretching him out, even if he is healthy, may not be the best idea.

If Hicks and Reyes are healthy, and can fix their command issues from last year, the Cardinals’ bullpen could suddenly become a strength. With an improved rotation, it would not be a surprise to see the Cardinals make a run for the NL Central title.

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The St. Louis Cardinals have some clarity in their bullpen now. Jordan Hicks and Alex Reyes will continue to be part of the relief corps in 2022.

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