MLB’s One-Season Wonders: Mark Reynolds And 2009
If Mark Reynolds produced in this day what he did 10-plus years ago, he’d be much more respected. He played in an era where strikeouts were looked down upon heavily. In a sense, he was a proto “three true outcomes” player right there with Adam Dunn. He stood out mightily in 2009 as well.
Before 2009
Reynolds wasn’t really on the radar for most scouts. He played well in college, leading the University of Virginia in major offensive categories during his tenure. Not only that, but Reynolds also showed versatility around the infield.
The Diamondbacks drafted Reynolds in the 16th round of the 2004 draft. He actually shot through the Minor Leagues reasonably quickly, excelling through the levels.
Reynolds made his MLB debut in 2007 with infielder Chad Tracy injured. Reynolds showed his minor league prowess instantaneously, contributing well in a small sample. The next year, he received the starting third baseman position, yet his offense dipped slightly. The best was yet to come.
2009
At this point, Reynolds became the poster child for the strikeout. This scarred his offensive reputation sadly, and he didn’t receive the attention he deserved.
Reynolds absolutely crushed the baseball in 2009. He slashed a very respectable .260/.349/.543 with 44 home runs. He also drove in 102 runs, leading the team, and also scored 98 times. His OPS+ was a very solid 127 which came in second behind teammate Justin Upton. Oh, and Reynolds also stole 24 bags.
Reynolds was fourth in the NL in home runs, sixth in extra-base hits, 10th in runs batted in and seventh in total bases. He also received NL player of the week twice, once in June and once in March. All those accomplishments yet he only finished 20th in MVP voting. No Silver Slugger, no All-Star stint.
After 2009
In the following years, Reynolds never had an OPS+ above 116 throughout a full season, nor did he hit 40 home runs again. His strikeouts were still ever so abundant.
Reynolds bounced around the Majors playing with the Orioles, Yankees, Cleveland, Brewers, Rockies and Washington. Teams kept him around for that power bat and his ability to man multiple positions around the diamond.
In 2009, Mark Reynolds had a WAR of 3.3. After that, his combined WAR from 2010 to his retirement in 2019 was 1.7. He did, however, have a career home run total of 298 which places him 156th all-time. Other than finishing 20th in MVP voting in ’09, he never came close to appearing in an All-Star game.
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