According to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, Mark Reynolds has signed with the Yankees – choosing New York over three other interested teams. The 29-year-old was designated for assignment and ultimately released by the Indians earlier this week after hitting just .215/.307/.373. However, he does have 15 home runs and 48 RBI in 335 at-bats.
Reynolds is known mostly as a feast or famine type guy, either hitting a home run or striking out. Reynolds holds three spots on the all-time strikeout list for a single season. His 223 K’s in 2009 are first all-time, followed by Adam Dunn (222), Reynolds (211), Drew Stubbs (205) and Reynolds again (204).
Reynolds’ best year came in ’09 when he hit .260 with 44 homers and 102 RBIs. Coming into this season, he averaged 30 homers and 84 RBIs per year since 2007. Yankee fans might know him best as a member of the Orioles from 2011-’12, when he seemed to torch Yankee pitching.
Reynolds’ deal is presumably a major league contract. He should see regular time as the right-handed bat at first base, and can even give A-Rod a rest at third when needed. Although he strikes out a lot, his power could help this lineup.
