2-Time 30-HR Free Agent Slugger Finds New Home

After selecting free agency last week, a former two-time 30-home run hitter has found a new home, though it is on a minor league contract for now. 27-year-old Franmil Reyes has signed on with the Washington Nationals. 

Source: The #Nats signed Franmil Reyes to a minor league deal.

— Talk Nats (@TalkNats) May 18, 2023

Reyes, a six-year veteran, was DFA'd by the Kansas City Royals on May 8, and after clearing outright waivers, elected free agency in lieu of an assignment to Omaha (AAA).

In 19 games with KC this season, Reyes only managed to hit .186 with a .519 OPS and two home runs in 65 plate appearances. And that's coming off a 2022 in which he also struggled, hitting just .221 with 14 homers. But for his career, he has a .775 OPS with an OPS+ 10% better than the average hitter, at 110. He hit 30+ HR in two of the last three full seasons and did it as recently as 2021 with the Cleveland Guardians.

If nothing else, the 6'5" Reyes should become a fan favorite in Washington if he can recapture any of his power stroke. He refers to himself as a big, "teddy bear" who just likes to make fans smile.

Franmil Reyes seems like the nicest guy of all-time pic.twitter.com/ITO4coiy6C

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 5, 2023

Even with his struggles this season, he's still in the 90th percentile in maximum exit velocity, as per Baseball Savant, and last year was in the 92nd percentile in average exit velocity. 

Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports