MLB Free Agency: New York Yankees believe Mark Reynolds will sign elsewhere

The New York Yankees, looking to add depth around the fringes of a roster that now includes Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, and Jacoby Ellsbury, apparently have reached out to Mark Reynolds, he of the big home runs and gaudy strikeout numbers.

But according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, Reynolds gave the Yankees the impression that he will be signing elsewhere.

"The Yankees have been engaged with Mark Reynolds about a possible return, but a source said the power-hitting infielder appears close to signing with another team outside the Bronx"

There will always be a place for Reynolds because of his proven ability to hit home runs. For as much as baseball has evolved and interested itself in on-base percentages and non-traditional players who might be undervalued, if you can knock 20 home runs over the course of a season, somebody will find a place for you.

Reynolds is a prime example of that fact. In 2013 he batted .220/.306/.393 and struck out 154 times in 504 at-bats. But he also hit 21 home runs, which guarantees he will have teams interested in his services.

The only unsettling downward trend for Reynolds in 2013 was his career-low 51 walks, down from 73 and 75 in the seasons prior. Reynolds will swing and miss a lot no matter what, but you hate to see him flailing any more than he has in seasons prior.

Still, whichever team has lured Reynolds away from the Yankees will get proven pop from the right side of the plate, something that can be tough to find.