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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Riley O'Brien is a 31-year-old relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who has emerged as a breakout star in 2026. Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in 2017, O'Brien has had a long developmental path through multiple organizations (Rays, Reds, Mariners) before joining the Cardinals in November 2023. After showing improved strikeout rates and walk rates at AAA Tacoma in 2023, O'Brien has translated that success to MLB. Through early May 2026, he has become one of the most productive relievers in baseball and a stabilizing force for the Cardinals' bullpen. His primary weapon is a 98.3 mph sinker with above-average drop and ride, complemented by an effective sweeper and slider. His Statcast metrics show elite performance across Chase%, Whiff%, K%, and BB% categories, indicating tangible improvement rather than small-sample luck.
Strengths
- + Elite strikeout rate with improved K%-BB% ratio
- + Exceptional sinker velocity (98.3 mph average) with plus movement
- + Effective secondary pitches (sweeper and slider) with high whiff rates
- + Statcast page showing elite performance metrics across multiple categories
- + Stabilizing force for Cardinals bullpen in 2026
- + Tangible mechanical and arsenal improvements rather than luck-based performance
- + Late-blooming success story with refined pitch selection and execution
- + Productive early season results as potential closer candidate
Weaknesses
- - Late bloomer at age 31 with long developmental path
- - Previous struggles with K%-BB% ratio earlier in career
- - Mixed early results during 2024 season before breakthrough
- - Limited track record of sustained MLB success prior to 2026
- - History of injuries that have sidelined him in past
About
Trey Riley is a rp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RP
Chicago Cubs