By Jordan Long
The Colorado Rockies added depth to their infield agreeing to a minor league contract with Mark Reynolds. He will compete to make the 40-man roster for the Rockies during Spring Training. If Reynolds makes the 40-man roster, he will earn $1 million and a chance to earn $1 million more with bonuses.
Reynolds spent last year with the Washington Nationals. He didn’t have a great year at the plate hitting .248 in 86 games. Reynolds had a tough time catching up to the opponent’s pitches with 64 strike outs, far too many. When he hit the baseball it was for singles. Reynolds had a total of 8 doubles and 13 home runs. The home run total was his lowest total since 2015 when he was with St. Louis and he smacked the same amount. Reynolds added 40 RBI’s, his worst total in his 11 years in Major League Baseball.
His glove was his strength. Reynolds was placed in the infield at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd base. Washington also had him play in the outfield at right and left field. In 45 games at 1st base Reynolds recorded 2 errors. The most errors last season occurred at 3rd base where he had 3 in 10 games, far too many. The Nationals decided to let him test free agency.
The Rockies needed veteran depth on the infield. Reynolds should be able to help his team, assuming he makes the roster. Colorado is familiar with Reynolds since he played in the Mile High City from 2016 to 2017.
The Rockies know Reynolds is going to compete for the backup 1st baseman job behind Daniel Murphy. The backup right now is Ryan McMahon. He doesn’t have a lot of experience at 1st with 38 games. It is possible McMahon can be the 2nd baseman.
This is a low risk, high reward move for the Colorado Rockies. It will be up to Reynolds’ play in Spring Training to prove to the Rockies he can make this team. e
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