Mark Reynolds Signs with New York Yankees for Stretch Run
August 15, 2013 · Kenny DeJohn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The New York Yankees may have finally found the right-handed portion of their first base platoon with lefty Lyle Overbay and insurance for Alex Rodriguez at third.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Yankees and Mark Reynolds have agreed on a contract for the rest of the 2013 season. Reynolds, who was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians just a few days prior, will bring some much-needed power to a Yankees team that is finally starting to swing the bats well.
Reynolds has been a Yankee-killer throughout his career, but no longer will the Bombers have to worry about falling victim to his powerful swing. The 30-year-old corner infielder has always shown a high propensity to strike out, but he can hit home runs with the best of them when he’s hot. As Heyman notes, “Reynolds has hit 14 home runs against the Yankeees in 165 at-bats, most vs any AL team. His 10 homers against the Red Sox are his second best total vs. an A.L. club.”
His 2013 season hasn’t been spectacular, though it certainly hasn’t been terrible either. His line of .215/.307/.373 is painful, but his 15 home runs and 48 RBI show that he’s been able to drive in runs with regularity.
Reynolds put together three straight seasons of at least 32 home runs from 2009 to 2011, with the high-water mark of 44 coming in 2009 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has a total of 196 home runs in his seven-year major league career and was brought in by the Indians on a one-year, $6 million deal in December.
From 2008-2011, Reynolds led the league in strikeouts. His marks of 204, 223, 211 and 196 made him arguably the biggest all-or-nothing hitter in the game—even more so than Chicago White Sox slugger Adam Dunn.
Though he could be a possible candidate to replace Alex Rodriguez in 2014 at third base, first base would be best for him at this point in time in New York. If all goes well, this trial in pinstripes could lead to a new contract at season’s end.
His terms with the Yankees weren’t immediately disclosed.
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