When Alex Reyes began his long reign as the Cardinals’ top prospect four years ago he was the first of five pitchers atop Baseball America’s Top 10. Snug behind Reyes, the power righthander who has had his promise and potential detoured by injuries, were Tim Cooney, Jack Flaherty, Luke Weaver, and Marco Gonzales – three of whom have gone on to establish themselves as starting pitchers in the majors.
Those were the top five prospects in the Cardinals’ system entering 2016, according to Baseball America, and Reyes would remain No. 1 for 2017, 2018, and 2019.