13 MLB players signed to a minor league contract having a major impact in 2017

Mark Reynolds, 1B, Colorado Rockies

After a season as a part-time player where he had an .806 OPS, Reynolds was likely hoping to find a major league role as at least a platoon 1B/DH option for a team, but nothing materialized.

Instead, he accepted a minor league deal with the Rockies just before spring training, and it may have been the best decision he could have made in the free agent market anyway.

Reynolds is 33 years old and has been in the major leagues since 2007. He has been one of the most prolific power hitters over the last decade-plus, showing major power in his right-handed swing, but also a propensity to strike out at alarming rates, eclipsing the 200 strikeout mark in three straight seasons from 2008-2010, but also hitting 108 home runs in those three seasons as well.

Reynolds’ issues with the strikeout has led to him being a part-time player, called upon by teams to crush lefties, but being the short side of a platoon has meant that he hasn’t eclipsed 500 plate appearances since 2013.

In March, prospective first baseman for the Rockies, Ian Desmond, fractured his hand during a spring training game. Desmond was the Rockies’ big offseason signing, and his absence left a big hole in their lineup.

Reynolds has filled that hole very well, causing the move of Desmond into the outfield when he returned due to Reynolds playing so well. While Reynolds is still striking out at just over 25% of the time, he’s also walking 11.6% of the time, higher than he’s posted since 2012.

His overall numbers on the season are .301/.384/.558 with 18 home runs, anchoring the middle of the Colorado lineup.