Matt Reynolds could rejoin the Reds on a minor-league deal

The Cincinnati Reds signed Luke Weaver to a one-year contract last week. In a corresponding move, the team designated utility infielder Matt Reynolds for assignment.

The move should not come as a shock, as Reynolds was an addition late last spring after a rash injuries forced the front office to shop for a few servicable replacements.

But, Reynolds made the most of his opportunity in 2022 and if he is not picked up on waivers by another team, there's a good chance that the veteran could return to Cincinnati on a minor-league deal.

Matt Reynolds could rejoin the Reds on a minor-league deal.

Matt Reynolds was not in camp with the Cincinnati Reds last season. Reynolds was enjoying his second stint with the team that originally drafted him in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft, the New York Mets.

Reynolds, however, was let go after outfielder Mark Canha returned from the COVID-19 IL and later picked up off waivers by the Reds. Cincinnati was Reynolds fourth team in five years after previous stops at Kansas City and Washington along with the aforementioned New York Mets.

In 92 games for Cincinnati in 2022, Reynolds hit .246/.320/.332 and played nearly every position on the field. Reynolds occupied every position with the exception of catcher. The 31-year-old even toed the rubber for mop up duty on two occasions.

By designating Reynolds for assignment, the Cincinnati Reds are taking a calculated risk that another team will be unwilling to take a flier on the veteran and add him to their 40-man roster. If Reynolds goes unclaimed, there's a very good chance that he could re-sign with Cincinnati and be brought into Goodyear on a minor-league deal.

With Joey Votto's status up in the air, and veterans like Mike Moustakas and Kyle Farmer playing elsewhere in 2023, there's a good chance that Matt Reynolds coul break camp with the Reds should an injury befall anyone during Cactus League play. The Redlegs could do much worse than having a backup plan that includes Reynolds.