Lyle Overbay Signs Minor League Deal with Brewers

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Former Yankee Lyle Overbay has agreed to a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training. Overbay was signed by the Yankees just before the 2013 season began, due to a Mark Teixeira wrist injury, that cost him nearly the whole season. Overbay was a big asset to the Yankees, before slowing down after the All-Star break. But overall, Overbay contributed more than the Yankees could have ever imagined. He finished the year with a .240 BA, along with 14 home runs, and 59 RBI in 142 games. Overbay will be getting the chance to compete for the Brewers starting first baseman job with another former Yankee in Mark Reynolds, who signed a minor league deal with the Brewers on January 17th.

The Yankees signed Reynolds as a free agent during the 2013 season, three days after he was cut by the Cleveland Indians. While he  only appeared in 36 games for the Yankees, he was still productive, finishing with 6 homers, and 19 RBI. The Yankees were interested in bringing Reynolds back aboard this season, seeing as he can play both first and third base, and the Yankees are in need of a third baseman with the recent suspension of Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees reportedly offered Reynolds a minor league deal as well, but Reynolds chose the Brewers instead. Now this could take an ironic twist. If Overbay beats out Reynolds for a roster spot on the Brewers, then Reynolds would most likely be cut. If Reynolds is cut, who would be more than happy to give him another chance to return to the team? The Yankees of course. So even though Reynolds has already snubbed the Yankees once for a team that is not even a contender, there is still a chance that he will end up back in Pinstripes this season. And it would all be thanks to another ex-Yankee, Lyle Overbay…