The Milwaukee Brewers announced the signing of veteran infielder Mark Reynolds to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported the potential for a deal on Thursday.
The Brewers were looking for help at first base after losing Corey Hart in free agency to Seattle. Reynolds started in the majors at third base but as his career has progressed, he’s seen more time at first base.
Reynolds hit .220 with 21 home runs and 67 rbi’s in 135 games for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees last season.
Reynolds strikes out a lot. He set the major league record with 223 strikeouts with Arizona in 2009 and has struck out more than 200 times two other times. In 3,418 career at-bats, Reynolds has struck out 1,276 times while hitting 202 home runs.
If Reynolds makes the team, he could platoon with the left-handed hitting Juan Francisco at first base. He could also provide some insurance at third base for Aramis Ramirez, who dealt with injury problems last season.