Cardinals stick by Fowler
Should Fowler be their starting right fielder?
The Cardinals, who signed Fowler to a five-year, $82.5 million contract two years ago, realize he hardly has lived up to expectations. He had a minus-1.4 WAR rating last season, hitting just .180 with eight homers and 31 RBI. The Cardinals could have traded him, swallowing most of the remaining money in his contract, or even released him. They could have even pursued Bryce Harper.
The instead met with Fowler during the winter and reassured him that they still believe in his talents. If Fowler struggles during the spring, the Cardinals will have to decide whether to stick with him when the season starts or pursue another outfielder, likely via trade.
What are the Cardinals going to do with Reyes?
Alex Reyes, once the top prospect in baseball, has missed all but four innings the last two seasons. The Cardinals are expected to be cautious with Reyes, 24.
He will come to camp as a starter, but likely use him out of the bullpen when he returns to the major leagues. Reyes missed the 2017 season with Tommy John surgery, and then injured his shoulder after a four-inning stint in 2018. The Cardinals must decide whether to use him as a starter, reliever, or perhaps have him in Class AAA building his arm strength. — Bob Nightengale