Rockies bring back Mark Reynolds

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The Colorado Rockies will be bringing back first baseman Mark Reynolds, according to a report from Jon Heyman at FanRag Sports. The deal is reportedly for a minor league contract, meaning that Reynolds won’t be breaking the bank by any means and isn’t a shoe-in for the opening day 25-man roster, though he starts with a big lead over the other candidates.

While Chris Denorfia is an interesting option, as is the recently acquired Domonic Brown if he can rediscover his 2013 stroke — and you know BSN Denver will keep reminding you about Jordan Patterson — but Reynolds is the man to beat now. He put up a solid .282 batting average with 14 home runs (99 wRC+) while playing good defense in 118 games for the Rockies at first in 2016. The 33-year-old also likely still has plenty left in the tank.

He also makes the most amount of sense to assume the role when Ian Desmond moves into the outfield to spell one of those guys against a tough lefty. Reynolds is also a reliable veteran who you know can give you a good at-bat late in the game. Additionally, by our accounts, he is loved and respected in the clubhouse as a leader and earned many points by coming back early from a tough injury last season.