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Alex Reyes worth a look for Oakland A’s

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 Oakland A’s need to find potential bargains for the upcoming season as they look to fill out their roster with major league caliber talent. Alex Reyes could be one such option.

Reyes had emerged as the Cardinals’ closer in 2021, making his first All Star Game on the strength of his excellent first half. However, shoulder issues led to his struggles in the second half of the season before he needed surgery in March, wiping out his 2022 campaign.

Alex Reyes type of player Oakland A’s should take flier on

Even with those issues in the second half, Reyes had a solid showing in 2021. He posted a 3.24 ERA and a 1.355 WHiP over his 72.1 innings, notching 29 saves with 95 strikeouts. His issue was, as it has been throughout his career, his command as he walked 52 batters while uncorking ten wild pitches.

But Reyes has the type of stuff that will continue to intrigue major league teams. His upper 90s fastball and plus curve have tantalized for years. However, his checkered injury history and command issues have held Reyes back. That is the case looking ahead to 2023 as well, as he is still rehabbing, with the Cardinals having been unsure of what he would be able to contribute on the mound for the upcoming season.

He is also the exact type of player that the A’s should target. If there is concern as to whether or not he will pitch this season, a two year deal at a lower cost could make sense, just to allow the A’s to continue to monitor his rehab and progression. And if he is healthy, he could be another piece in what was a surprisingly strong A’s bullpen.

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Alex Reyes is the type of player that the Oakland A’s should be looking at. He may be an injury risk, but he is the type of lottery ticket that could pay off.