Mark Reynolds Not Likely To Re-Sign With The Yankees

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

After arbitrator Fredric Horowitz announced the 162-game suspension for Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees are left without a third baseman for next season. There have been a few rumored free-agent candidates, with other possible options that are already on the roster.

Mark Reynolds has been one of those options, and the Yankees have been staying in touch with Reynolds all throughout the offseason, but the chances that he re-signs in the Bronx are very slim.

Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News reported Saturday night that a reunion of the two sides is starting to look unlikely since the Yankees have only offered Reynolds a minor-league contract, which he obviously won’t accept. He’s been drawing interest from other teams, too, and can likely land a major-league contract with one of them.

The Yankees liked Reynolds because he provides them with some needed power from the right-handed batter’s box. This year’s lineup will figure to be predominantly left-handed, with Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran and Brian Roberts as switch hitters. Derek Jeter and Alfonso Soriano project to be the only right-handed hitters in the Opening Day lineup. Add in Reynolds, and he makes the lineup a little bit more even on both sides of the plate.

As of Sunday morning, the Yankees are closing in on a minor-league deal with infielder Scott Sizemore, who can play both second and third base. He adds some depth to the infield, and will likely battle for a bench spot when Spring Training finally comes around.

The Yankees have also been showing interest in Michael Young, according to ESPNNewYork.com’s Andrew Marchand. Young is far from the player he was in his prime. His bat isn’t as good as it once was, and he won’t give you much in the field.

Kelly Johnson would most likely be the third baseman if the season started today. Brian Roberts can also play third base, but again, if the season started today, he’s likely starting at second base. And you can’t over look Dean Anna. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter can swing the bat very well. He hit .331 last season in Triple-A while with the San Diego Padres. Can play all around the infield at second, third and shortstop.

Follow @GavinEwbank Follow @YanksGoYardFS