Colorado Rockies: CarGo signing could be opening for Mark Reynolds

Pending results of a physical and finishing up some paperwork, the Colorado Rockies have reportedly signed Carlos Gonzalez to a one-year deal. If so, this pushes back many of the younger guys and could give the 2018 Rockies a very similar look as last year. If that’s true, the only missing piece from last year they should resign would be Mark Reynolds.

Now here at Rox Pile, you’ve seen me and a few of my colleagues talk about Reynolds, so this should come at no surprise that I’m talking about him once again. Despite naysayers, I believe Reynolds would be utilized greatly on the Rockies as they are trying to contend once again. Reynolds made a big impact on the team as he put up 30 home runs and 97 RBI, leading to a .267 batting average.

One of the biggest factors that probably plays into Mark Reynolds’ slow offseason is probably his age (and a second half of last season where his production tailed off). He’s 34 right now and, in this interview with MLB.com, he did say how he enjoyed being at home more this offseason. However, he also said he was keeping in shape and, how the Rockies would be his first choice for a 2018 return.

More from Colorado Rockies News

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: 3 things we appreciated from Tuesday in San Francisco
• What Bill Schmidt’s comments mean for the Colorado Rockies in 2023

Gonzalez came off what could single-handedly be called his worst season. I understand why Jeff Bridich would want him back as CarGo has been with the Rockies for the majority of his MLB career and also made an impact on the field as well as in the clubhouse. He may be a needed presence to help the Rockies get into and through the postseason. As for Reynolds, he has contributed in Colorado offensively and even more defensively.

When you think of Reynolds, you think of his incredible fielding as a first basemen. You can remember the numerous ground balls that were picked out from the dirt to save the infielders from errors. This led the Rockies to having the third-best defensive team in all of Major League Baseball. Reynolds made big contributions to the team last year and would likely do the same this year if signed.

One is also to assume that Reynolds wants redemption after not adding during the Rockies playoff appearance as he went 0-for-3 in the Wild Card loss against Arizona. If they were to sign Reynolds, in my mind, there is no doubt that he would once again have the chance to go higher than expectations and contribute big time to the Rockies offense. Colorado would also get that same dependability back that they had last year instead of being ready to employ a rookie at first base.

Speaking of a new guy at first, if this were to happen, Ryan McMahon would most likely be out as a starter at first, which, for the first half of the season, may not be a bad thing. While working his way through the farm system, McMahon has played all around the infield. If Reynolds starts and McMahon platoons, this gives the Rockies time to get McMahon even more time becoming accustomed to and getting comfortable at first.

It also lets Ian Desmond focus on the outfield, a position where he is already comfortable from previous games with the Texas Rangers in 2016 and Rockies last season.

Next: Looking at the battle for the corner outfield spots

Final Thoughts

The Colorado Rockies have reportedly signed Carlos Gonzalez. This brings back the sense of friendship and leadership in the clubhouse the Rockies have had in the past. Signing Mark Reynolds would bring back the dependability of an experienced first basemen on the bag. For one year and around $6-$8 million, isn’t it worth the chance? With the Colorado Rockies signing CarGo, it may be just what Mark Reynolds need to get that phone call he’s been waiting for.