Mark Reynolds helped the Baltimore Orioles reach the post season for the first time in 14 years.  He has shown his raw power for year now.  Despite this, the Orioles did not bring him back.  They non-tendered Reynolds and made him a free agent.  Now, Reynolds is closing in on a new contract.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Reynolds and the Indians are close to a one-year, $6 million deal.  He would move back to third base after playing much of the 2012 season at first base for the Orioles.


Regardless of the position, Reynolds would be brought on for his offense.  He has never been known for having stellar defense.  Reynolds has also struggled with strikeouts throughout his career.  That is one of the reasons the Diamondbacks let him go.  However, there is no questioning his power.

In 2012, Reynolds hit .221/.335/.429 with 23 home runs.  Last season was the second-straight in which Reynolds hit .221.  He struck out more than 200 times for three seasons straight (2008-2010), but he only struck out 159 times last season.  He also played in far less games last season.

Reynolds hit the disabled list for the first time in his career last season.  He was placed on the DL back in May with a strained oblique.  The injury lingered and may have affected some of his numbers, but the biggest impact it had was keeping him off the field.

The Indians have also been pursuing Kevin Youkilis, but it looks like they have shifted their focus exclusively to Reynolds.
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