Sandy Alcantara on recruiting trail for Miami Marlins

If Sandy Alcantara has his way, a former All Star reliever will be joining the Miami Marlins.

The Cardinals had decided not to tender Alex Reyes a contract on Friday, sending the oft-injured former top prospect to free agency. After Miami Herald reporter Craig Mish tweeted out that he felt Reyes has some of the best stuff he has ever seen, Alcantara responded by saying that the Marlins need him on the roster.

Alex Reyes could fill major hole for Miami Marlins

The Marlins have plenty of work to do this offseason as they look to improve the roster. Much of that focus is going to be on the lineup, especially in center field and behind the plate. However, for all of the Marlins’ pitching depth in the rotation, the bullpen is an area of need as well.

Reyes could be the answer to those problems in the ninth inning. He had pitched well in 2021, posting a 3.24 ERA and a 1.355 WHiP in his 72.1 innings as he notched 29 saves. His command was his biggest issue as Reyes struck out 95 batters but also issued 52 walks. However, those numbers were skewed by a rough second half which could have been explained by his shoulder woes and subsequent surgery last year.

There is no question that he had impressive stuff despite the various procedures on his arm. His upper 90s fastball still has the velocity that made him an impressive prospect and his curve is still a plus offering. If he can harness that stuff, he could be a dominant force in the bullpen.

But he is also the type of pitcher that the Marlins should take a chance on. They have been able to develop pitching at an impressive rate over the past few seasons and could be the right team to get Reyes to live up to his potential. If so, he would be a step in the right direction as the Marlins hope to contend in 2023.