New York Yankees, Mark Reynolds agree to deal

Aug 14, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Alfonso Soriano (12) rounds third base after hitting his second home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports /

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports, the New York Yankees have agreed to a deal with veteran Mark Reynolds. Reynolds was released by the Cleveland Indians earlier this week despite being designated for minor league assignment. After a great start to the season, Reynolds has been on a decline ever since, and the Indians didn’t feel like keeping him around.

The Yankees gladly swooped in for the veteran first baseman, who should be able to help them as they are in need of some right-handed power hitters. Reynolds signed a 1 year/$6 million deal last December with Cleveland, but that obviously didn’t work out as planned for either party.

The addition of Reynolds is primarily for insurance purposes only. I don’t see him as a starter for the Yanks, with both A-Rod and Lyle Overbay on the field. Although he has had a declining 2013 campaign with a .301 BA in April, and .178 since then, his career stats against the Yanks aren’t all that bad. Reynolds has 14 homers in 165 at bats against the Bronx Bombers, which is his most when batting opposite any AL team.

I like this move only because it’s very low-risk, with the potential of high reward. While I don’t expect Reynolds to make an immediate impact for the Yankees, he might be able to help in the future, when A-Rod isn’t playing next season for instance.

There are no further details of the deal as of yet.

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