Matt Reynolds has been a name that has been discussed by Mets fans and officials over the past couple of seasons, when a need has arisen with the Major League ball club. Reynolds seemed to have finally gotten his shot to make the Mets 25-man roster and stick with the team, after the recent release of Ruben Tejada.

Reynolds who is 25 years of age, was drafted by the Mets in the second round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft, from the University of Arkansas. Reynolds was originally drafted as a third basemen out of college, but the Mets had Reynolds move to shortstop once he signed with the ball club. He started his minor league career with Single-A Savannah and worked his way up the minor league ladder for the Mets. His 2014 campaign, is what put Matt Reynolds on the prospect map, with his .343/.405/.454 line between AA Binghamton and AAA Las Vegas. Reynolds has put up a career batting line of .279/.343/.396 line in the minors leagues. MLB.com has Reynolds currently ranked as the number 10 prospect in the organization heading into this season.

Reynolds was the subject of speculation in regards to making his debut with the Mets last season, but battled a few injuries and inconsistency at AAA. He did however get called up when Ruben Tejada was hurt during the NLDS slide heard around the World, but did not get in any game action during the postseason. There isn’t anything overly impressive Reynolds does, however he can provide a solid glove off of the bench and he can be a league average hitter in the reserve role he is expected to fill. The versatility Reynolds brings with his ability to play shortstop, second base, and third base, allow him to be a useful utility option for the Mets. He doesn’t hit for much power, but Reynolds is a contact hitter who can help his batting numbers a bit, by his ability of putting the ball in play.

This is Reynolds big shot to prove his worth to the Mets this season, as they have a loaded farm system of middle infielders that will be Major League ready in the next season or two. The Mets have to believe Reynolds can produce similar numbers to Tejada’s for half of the cost, while using that money they save from Tejada, to spend elsewhere later in the season. It’s been a long journey for Matt, and I believe he will make the most of his opportunities this season on a ball club that will not rely as heavily on his production, as it would have in past seasons.