MLB Rookie Report: Matt Reynolds, SS, New York Mets

Back on May 17th, the New York Mets promoted rookie infielder Matt Reynolds to the major league roster, calling him up from Triple-A Las Vegas. I neglected to write him up at the time, but we cover every rookie here at Minor League Ball so let's correct that oversight.

Reynolds was originally drafted by the Mets in the second round in 2012 from the University of Arkansas. He had a terrific 2014 season, hitting a combined .343/.405/.454 between Double-A and Triple-A with 32 doubles and 13 steals, but was unable to duplicate this in 2015 with a .267/.319/.402 line in the hitting-friendly Pacific Coast League.

From the 2016 Baseball Prospect Book:

Matt Reynolds, INF, New York Mets
Bats: R Throws: R HT: 6-1 WT: 200 DOB: December 3, 1990

2013: Grade C+; 2014: Grade C; 2015: Grade C+

Reynolds did not have a great 2015 season, producing disappointing numbers despite a friendly home park and league context. That said, I think his true level of talent is in between the extreme of 2014 (when he hit .343) and 2015. He looks like a guy who could hit .250-.260 to me, with a few steals here and there and some doubles power. He is excellent defensively at second base and not bad as a shortstop. Utility work seems likely, but it remains to be seen how he will fit in New York barring injuries ahead of him. Grade C.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY

Reynolds was hitting .238/.303/.369 this year for Las Vegas before moving up, with 12 walks and 39 strikeouts in 130 at-bats.

Obviously that's not very good and it seems increasingly possible that his 2014 season was an aberration. My projection that he can hit .260 may be too optimistic, at least in the short run. The Mets are using him on the bench right now (six at-bats in six games) and that is the best way to deploy him unless he rediscovers the '14 magic. He does have a very good glove, capable at third base and shortstop and excellent at second, giving him cache as a utility infielder. Fantasy value is minimal unless your context rewards defense somehow.

Here's video of Reynolds tagging a double shortly before his promotion from Vegas.