Cardinals sign Dominican RHP Alex Reyes, per report

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed an 18-year old right handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic whose story is a little different from most international prospects. Alex Reyes was raised in Elizabeth, NJ with his parents before moving to the Caribbean to stay with extended famly. Reyes was given a $950,000 bonus to sign with the Cardinals, the second highest given to a pitcher out of the Dominican Republic this year. The Chicago Cubs gave right handed pitcher Juan Carlos Paniagua $1.5 million earlier this year.

Reyes reportedly has a fastball that tops out in the low-90's while occasionally touching slightly higher on the radar gun. When it comes to offspeed pitches, Reyes relies on a good changeup but mixes in a curveball or two as well.

The converted shortstop could start his professional career in the Gulf Coast League thanks to his fluency in both English and Spanish in addition to his age.