Fansided

2016 MLB Season: 5 risky free agent signings

By Patrick Morgan

Mar 31, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; General view of Opening Day logo on the field before an opening day game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; General view of Opening Day logo on the field before an opening day game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 23, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) throws from his knees to force out Cincinnati Reds left fielder Skip Schumaker (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) throws from his knees to force out Cincinnati Reds left fielder Skip Schumaker (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Mark Reynolds to the Rockies

From a strictly financial level, Reynolds’ new deal with the Colorado Rockies isn’t anything terrifying. He goes from a one year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals worth $2 million to a one year contract with the Rockies worth just a bit more at $2.6 million. It has ‘tryout’ written all over it, and the 32-year-old shouldn’t be fazed by the change of scenery as this will now be his seventh team in nine years.

The problem for the Rockies is they’re taking a chance on a guy who’s slipped in a number of important categories in recent years. Reynolds had his lowest home run total by far last season with the Cards, netting just 13 over 140 games. He had more homers as a rookie, and it’s a far cry from seasons in which he hit 44, 32, and 37. Even from 2012-2014, Reynolds averaged a respectable 22 balls hit outside the park.

The Rockies must be hoping that the thin Denver air and the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field help Reynolds rediscover his dormant long ball. The journeyman is a versatile fielder who can play multiple positions, though he’ll probably be utilized primarily at first base, so it’s understandable that Colorado would take a chance on him at least from that perspective. Hopefully his powerful swing resurfaces in the Mile High City as well.

Next: 4. Jeff Samardzija to the Giants

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