Matt Reynolds (infielder)

{{for|the professional baseball pitcher|Matt Reynolds (pitcher)}}

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Matt Reynolds

|image = ReynoldsMets2016Spring (cropped).jpg

|caption = Reynolds with the Mets in 2016

|width =

|team = Free agent

|number =

|position = Shortstop

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|12|3}}

|birth_place = Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = May 17

|debutyear = 2016

|debutteam = New York Mets

|debut2league= NPB

|debut2date = March 29

|debut2year = 2024

|debut2team = Hiroshima Toyo Carp

|statyear = 2023 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .229

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 7

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 42

|stat2year = 2024 season

|stat2league = NPB

|stat21label = Batting average

|stat21value = .000

|stat22label = Home runs

|stat22value = 0

|stat23label = Runs batted in

|stat23value = 1

|awards =

|teams =

New York Mets ({{mlby|2016}}–{{mlby|2017}})
Washington Nationals ({{mlby|2018}})
Kansas City Royals ({{mlby|2020}})
New York Mets ({{mlby|2022}})
Cincinnati Reds ({{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}})
Hiroshima Toyo Carp ({{npby|2024}})

}}

Matthew William Reynolds (born December 3, 1990) is an American professional baseball infielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals, and Cincinnati Reds. He has also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.

High school and college career

Reynolds attended Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He played both baseball and basketball and received interest from Iowa State, Furman and Butler to play college basketball.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/66335/farm-report-reynolds-passes-on-hoops|title=Farm report: Reynolds passes on hoops|work=ESPN.com|date=May 8, 2013|access-date=August 28, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/88951/farm-report-reynolds-surges-with-b-mets|title=Farm report: Reynolds surges with B-Mets|work=ESPN.com|date=June 11, 2014|access-date=August 28, 2014}}

File:Reynolds batting, Uark vs Kent, 2012 CWS.jpg]]

He decided, however, to play college baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas. He played for Arkansas as a third baseman from 2010 to 2012 and hit .275/.382/.413 with 11 home runs and 72 runs batted in 150 career games. After his sophomore season in 2011, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=142851&seasonid=532 |title=#8 Matt Reynolds |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=July 20, 2021}}

Professional career

=New York Mets=

Reynolds was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120605&content_id=32817966&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym|title=Mets show Arkansas bias on Day 2 of Draft|work=New York Mets|date=June 5, 2012|access-date=August 28, 2014}} The Mets moved Reynolds to shortstop after he signed.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2014/07/11/the-middle-infield-prospect-starting-to-knock-on-mets-door/|title=The middle infield prospect starting to knock on Mets' door - New York Post|work=New York Post|date=July 11, 2014|access-date=August 28, 2014}} He made his professional debut that season for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the A-level South Atlantic League, hitting .259 with 3 home runs in 42 games.

In 2013, Reynolds played in 117 games for the High-A Florida State League, and one game for the Double-A Binghamton Mets. He hit a disappointing .225/.300/.335 with five home runs in 436 at bats. Reynolds started the 2014 season back with Binghamton and was promoted to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s after hitting .355 in 58 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/27/sports/baseball/mets-matt-reynolds-is-an-intriguing-option-at-shortstop.html?_r=2|title=A Grinder Whose Next Stop May Be Citi Field|work=New York Times|date=August 26, 2014|access-date=August 28, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-prospect-matt-reynolds-owes-his-success-to-hard-work-1.8950885|title=Mets' prospect Matt Reynolds owes his success to hard work - Newsday|work=Newsday|date=August 3, 2014|access-date=April 25, 2015}} With the 51s, he finished 2015 batting .267/.319/.402, with 65 RBIs and 6 home runs in 115 games.

Reynolds spent the 2015 regular season in Triple-A before being called up to the Mets during the 2015 NLDS to replace the injured Rubén Tejada.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/13862265/mets-replace-ruben-tejada-nlds-roster-ss-prospect-matt-reynolds|title=Mets replace Ruben Tejada on NLDS roster with Matt Reynolds|work=ESPN.com|date=October 11, 2015|access-date=October 11, 2015}} In doing so, he became the first player in modern baseball history to be added to a postseason roster in the middle of a series without previous major-league experience. He also became the third player in modern baseball history to be included on a postseason roster without previous major-league experience, after Chet Trail (of the New York Yankees in the 1964 World Series (not on the active roster)) and Mark Kiger (of the Oakland Athletics in the 2006 American League Championship Series).{{cite book|title=The World Series' Most Wanted™: The Top 10 Book of Championship Teams, Broken Dreams, and October Oddities|author=Snyder, J.|publisher=Potomac Books|isbn=9781574887280|year=2004|page=207}}{{cite web|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/ws/yr1964ws.shtml|title=1964 World Series|work=Baseball Almanac|access-date=October 22, 2015}} He was dropped from the roster for the World Series, and did not appear in any games in the playoffs.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-add-juan-uribe-to-world-series-roster-in-place-of-matt-reynolds-1.11015963|title=Mets add Juan Uribe to World Series roster in place of Matt Reynolds|work=Newsday|date=October 27, 2015|access-date=October 27, 2015}}

File:Matt Reynolds (28816280102).jpg in 2016]]

The Mets promoted Reynolds to the major leagues on May 17, 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-call-infielder-matt-reynolds-option-lhp-sean-gilmartin-article-1.2640230|title=Mets call up infielder Matt Reynolds from Triple-A; option reliever Sean Gilmartin|work=New York Daily News|date=May 17, 2016|access-date=May 17, 2016}} He made his major league debut at third base for the Mets that night. He went 0–3 with one strikeout. On May 25, Reynolds picked up his first major league hit, a single, against Nationals' pitcher Tanner Roark.{{cite web|url=https://www.sny.tv/video/737413983/reynolds-picks-up-first-hit|title=Reynolds picks up first hit|work=SNY|date=May 25, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016}} Reynolds was sent down to the 51s to make room for Wilmer Flores, who came off the disabled list.{{cite web|url=https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/flores-activated-off-dl-in-starting-lineup-in-place-of-wright/180985674|title=Flores activated off DL, in starting lineup in place of Wright|work=MetsBlog.com|date=May 29, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|archive-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126021755/https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/flores-activated-off-dl-in-starting-lineup-in-place-of-wright/180985674|url-status=dead}} Reynolds appeared in eight games during his first big league stint. He had a .100 batting average.

Reynolds was recalled again on June 3 after David Wright was placed on the disabled list.{{cite news|title=Mets' Matt Reynolds: Recalled by Mets on Friday|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mets-matt-reynolds-recalled-by-mets-on-friday/|access-date=June 22, 2016|work=CBSSports.com|date=June 3, 2016}} In a June 22 game, Reynolds started and appeared in the outfield for the first time in his professional career and also hit his first Major League home run, off of reliever Joakim Soria.{{cite news|last1=Giglio|first1=Joe|title=Asdrubal Cabrera, Matt Reynolds power Mets to 4-3 win over Royals {{!}} Rapid reaction|url=http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2016/06/mets_royals_rapid_reaction.html|access-date=June 22, 2016|work=NJ.com|date=June 22, 2016}} For 2016, he batted .225/.266/.416.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/matt-reynolds-608703|title=Matt Reynolds Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MLB.com |access-date=March 24, 2017}} On December 12, 2016, he underwent a right wrist debridement at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

On March 21, 2017, he was optioned to the Mets minor league camp, but he was recalled one month later.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mets-matt-reynolds-optioned-to-minor-league-camp/|title=Mets' Matt Reynolds: Optioned to minor-league camp|date=March 22, 2017 |access-date=March 24, 2017}} In 2017 with the Mets, he batted .230/326/.301 in 130 plate appearances.[https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reynoma03.shtml Matt Reynolds Stats | Baseball-Reference.com] On February 7, 2018, Reynolds was designated for assignment.

=Washington Nationals=

Reynolds was traded to the Washington Nationals for cash considerations on February 12, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/02/nationals-acquire-matt-reynolds.html|title=Nationals Acquire Matt Reynolds|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Jeff|last=Todd|date=February 12, 2018}} He began the season with the Triple–A Syracuse Chiefs, but the Nationals called him up to the major leagues on April 7.{{cite news|url=https://www.federalbaseball.com/2018/4/7/17209646/washington-nationals-call-up-matt-reynolds-select-jhonatan-solano-triple-a|agency=Federal Baseball|title=Washington Nationals call Matt Reynolds up, select Jhonatan Solano's contract from Triple-A...|first=Patrick|last=Reddington|date=April 7, 2018|access-date=April 7, 2018}} He appeared in 10 games and batted 1-for-12 with a walk{{cite news|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reynoma03.shtml|agency=Baseball Reference|title=Matt Reynolds|access-date=April 25, 2018}} before the Nationals optioned him back to Syracuse on April 24.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2018/04/24/nationals-to-place-shawn-kelley-on-disabled-list-call-up-rafael-bautista-adrian-sanchez/ Castillo, Jorge, "Nationals to place Shawn Kelley on disabled list; call up Rafael Bautista, Adrian Sanchez," washingtonpost.com, April 24, 2018, 1:59 p.m. EDT.] He was called up again to replace Anthony Rendon who was placed on the family medical leave list. The Nationals designated Reynolds for assignment on January 13, 2019, clearing a roster spot for newly signed second baseman Brian Dozier.{{cite news|url=https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_nationals_designate_matt_reynolds_to_make_room_for_brian_dozier/s1_13237_28208903|title=Report: Nationals designate Matt Reynolds to make room for Brian Dozier|first=Connor|last=Byrne|agency=Yardbarker|date=January 13, 2019|access-date=January 13, 2019}} He was outrighted on January 18, 2019. He became a free agent following the 2019 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2019/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2019|author=Matt Eddy|website=Baseball America|date=November 7, 2019|access-date=November 7, 2019}}

=Kansas City Royals=

On November 16, 2019, Reynolds signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-matt-reynolds-signs-minor-league-deal/|title=Royals' Matt Reynolds: Signs minor-league deal|website=CBSSports.com|author=RotoWire Staff|date=November 16, 2019|access-date=November 16, 2019}} On September 8, 2020, Reynolds was selected to the active roster by the Royals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/royals-place-jorge-soler-on-il.html|title = Royals Place Jorge Soler on IL| date=September 8, 2020 }} On September 12, Reynolds was designated for assignment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/royals-make-a-number-of-roster-moves.html|title = Royals Make a Number of Roster Moves| date=September 12, 2020 }} He elected free agency on October 14, 2020.{{Cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?lid=112&sid=l112&t=l_trn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415061010/http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=112&sid=l112|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2012|title = Triple-A West Transactions}}

=Chicago White Sox=

On December 17, 2020, Reynolds signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox organization.

Reynolds spent the 2021 season with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. He played in 93 games for the Knights, hitting .269 with 5 home runs and 35 RBI. Reynolds became a free agent following the season.

=New York Mets (second stint)=

On December 1, 2021, Reynolds signed a minor league contract to return to the New York Mets.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/12/mets-matt-reynolds-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html|title=Mets, Matt Reynolds Agree To Minor League Deal|work=MLB Trade Rumors|date=December 15, 2021|access-date=December 15, 2021}} On April 15, 2022, he was added to the Major League roster when two other players went on the COVID-19 injured list.Ragazzo, Pat (April 15, 2022) [https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/mets-lose-brandon-nimmo-mark-canha-to-covid-il-prior-to-home-opener Mets Lose Brandon Nimmo, Mark Canha To COVID IL Prior To Home Opener] Sports Illustrated FanNation. On April 20, Reynolds was designated for assignment to make room for Mark Canha returning from the COVID-19 injured list.{{Cite web |title=Mark Canha returns from COVID-19 IL, Matt Reynolds DFA'd |url=https://www.amazinavenue.com/2022/4/20/23034563/mark-canha-returns-from-covid-19-il-matt-reynolds-dfad-mets-giants-citi-field-debut |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.amazinavenue.com |date=April 20, 2022 |language=en}}

=Cincinnati Reds=

On April 24, 2022, Reynolds was claimed off of waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.{{Cite web |title=Reds Claim Matt Reynolds, Designate Ryan Hendrix |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/04/reds-claim-matt-reynolds-designate-ryan-hendrix.html |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=April 24, 2022 |language=en}} He appeared in 92 games for Cincinnati, hitting .246/.320/.332 with 3 home runs and 23 RBI.

On January 13, 2023, Reynolds was designated for assignment by the Reds following the signing of Luke Weaver.{{Cite web|title=Reds' Matt Reynolds: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-matt-reynolds-designated-for-assignment/amp/|access-date=2023-01-13|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On January 19, Reynolds cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.{{Cite web|title=Reds' Matt Reynolds: Outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-matt-reynolds-outrighted-to-triple-a/amp/|access-date=2023-01-21|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 16 games with Louisville to begin the year, he slashed .263/.364/.544 with 3 home runs and 9 RBI. On April 28, Reynolds had his contract selected to the active roster.{{cite web|title=Reds' Matt Reynolds: Selected from Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-matt-reynolds-selected-from-triple-a/amp/|access-date=2023-04-28|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He made 2 appearances, starting 1 game and going 1-for-5 with 3 strikeouts. On May 6, Reynolds was designated for assignment after Wil Myers was activated off of the injured list.{{cite web|title=Reds' Matt Reynolds: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-matt-reynolds-designated-for-assignment-872250/amp/|access-date=2023-05-07|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Louisville on May 9.{{Cite web|title=Reds' Matt Reynolds: Outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-matt-reynolds-outrighted-to-triple-a-872851/amp/|access-date=2023-05-09|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On October 2, Reynolds elected free agency.{{Cite web|title=Matt Reynolds: Elects to become free agent|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/matt-reynolds-elects-to-become-free-agent/|access-date=October 3, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=October 3, 2023 |language=en}}

=Hiroshima Toyo Carp=

On November 16, 2023, Reynolds signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball.{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/0ff1afe8c5746c64fff00d66556daa7dfb64ab16?source=sns&dv=pc&mid=other&date=20231117&ctg=spo&bt=tw_up | title=【カープ】新外国人内野手レイノルズ獲得へレッズでプレー、長打率5割超えの強打者（中国新聞デジタル） | work=Yahoo!ニュース }} He played in two games for the Carp in 2024, going 0–for–4 with a walk and an RBI. On June 20, 2024, Reynolds underwent season–ending surgery on his left shoulder. He was released by the Carp on June 29.{{Cite web|title=Carp canceled the contract with Reynolds. I can't expect to return from left shoulder surgery.|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d7dd5c7a16723109fe3033eb1245cec4f87ca67d|access-date=June 30, 2024|website=news.yahoo.co.jp|language=en}}