:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17938837/20130611_ter_aa1_151.0.jpg)
The New York Yankees have agreed to sign infielder Mark Reynolds to a major league contract, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. The team will likely use Reynolds at first base against left-handed pitching, as well as a backup option to Alex Rodriguez at third base.
Reynolds was released by the Indians earlier in the week after hitting .177 with a .277 on-base percentage since May 9th. Because of his strong start to the season (.291 average before May 9th), his average for the season is .215 with 15 HR and 48 RBI in 99 games.
Throughout his career, Reynolds has hit for power while striking out at an alarming rate. He has led the league in strikeouts in four different seasons, and has already struck out 123 times this season. In seven seasons with the Diamondbacks (2007-2010), Orioles (2011-2012) and Indians (2013), the 28-year old has a career .233 average with 196 HR, 549 RBI and 1,245 strikeouts. His best season came in 2009, when he hit .260 with 44 HR and 102 RBI in 155 games for Arizona.
Heyman reports that three teams in addition to the Yankees were interested in signing Reynolds before he agreed to terms with the Bronx Bombers, and reports indicate that the Orioles were likely one of them. The other two are not known at this time.
