Nats acquire utilityman Matt Reynolds from Mets

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

February 12, 2018, 4:47pm

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The Nationals acquired utilityman Matt Reynolds from the Mets for cash considerations tonight, adding another versatile major leaguer to their mix of bench options this spring.

Reynolds, 27, had been designated for assignment last week after New York signed free agent Todd Frazier. Reynolds will probably face long odds to make the Nationals' opening day roster, but he has one remaining minor league option and thus should stick in the organization one way or the other.

Reynolds fills the 40-man roster spot that was vacated Friday when catcher Raudy Read was suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance enhancing drug.

A shortstop by trade, Reynolds has played all around the field over the last two seasons with the Mets. He has started at least one big league game at all four infield positions, plus left and right fields.

A right-handed batter, Reynolds owns a .228 batting average, .300 on-base percentage, .652 OPS, four homers and 18 RBIs in 226 major league plate appearances. He's 5-for-31 in his career as a pinch-hitter.

Reynolds will report to West Palm Beach, Fla., and join a crowded field of potential bench players in Nationals camp. Veterans Howie Kendrick and Matt Adams are assured of spots on the opening day roster, and Wilmer Difo and Brian Goodwin also figure to have a leg up at the outset of spring training.

Difo has one remaining option, but Goodwin is out of options and needs to make the club or else be exposed to waivers.