On Thursday, the Washington Nationals signed OF Franmil Reyes to a minor league deal, per sources.
Reyes started the season with the Kansas City Royals, but was designated for assignment after a slow start to the season. So far in his 2023 campaign, Reyes has posted a .186 BA, and has struck out 24 times in his 65 plate appearances. He's tallied 11 hits and 2 home runs, alongside 7 RBIs.
Reyes has certainly seen better days in the past, which is what the Nationals are hoping to have him rediscover. Back in 2021 with the Guardians, Reyes hit 30 homeruns with an .846 OPS. That is surely what the Nationals are taking a flyer on, especially with their lack of power as it stands currently. Reyes isn't a one-hit-wonder either, as he had 16 homeruns and a .838 OPS back in 2018 with the Padres and a combined 37 homeruns with a .822 OPS in 2019 with the Padres and Guardians. He has been much more bad than good in recent years, but he is still just 27 years old, so there is still some small hope than Reyes can regain his power form.
Upon signing him, the Nationals assigned Reyes to the Rochester Red Wings (AAA).
Analysis: While it remains unclear exactly what the Nationals' plans are for Reyes, I would bet that they want to take a look and see what he can do with a change of scenery. With a career batting average of .249, he's certainly been serviceable throughout his 6 year MLB career, having the longest stay with the Guardians, a 4 year tenure.
One thing is for certain: He's got some pop on that bat.
We can't say for certain if and when Reyes could see time with the Nationals in the majors, however I'm led to believe that there could be an opportunity for him here. After all, he was only recently designated for assignment, and the Nationals swooped in and signed him rather quickly.
Will he make his stint with Rochester a very brief one en route to the majors? Only time will tell what lies ahead for Franmil Reyes.
All statistics via baseball-reference.com