The Cleveland Indians are reportedly on the verge of signing Mark Reynolds to a contract. Reynolds would help fill the Indians’ need for a first baseman/designated hitter, with the ability to play some third base. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman was the first to break the news via Twitter. Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports that the deal is for one year and is worth $6 million, with up to an additional $1.5 million in incentives.
Reynolds was allowed to walk by the Baltimore Orioles last month after they declined to pick up his option for 2013. He posted a .221/.335/.429 batting line with 23 home runs in 2012, and amassed 60 home runs with the Orioles over two seasons. The trouble with Reynolds, is that he strikes out a tonne and doesn’t offer much in the way of a glove. The right-handed slugger struck out in 29.6% of his plate appearances in 2012, which was actually the lowest rate he’s registered in his career.
