Reynolds back in 2013?

Slugger Mark Reynolds has had a tremendous August at the plate, smacking four home runs and batting .293. He's even cut the strikeouts to 14 in 50 plate appearances. Steve Melewski wonders if this hot streak may lead to Reynolds' return to the Baltimore Orioles in 2013

The Orioles have an option on Reynolds for next season at $11 million, which is quite steep, but Melewski suggests the club could decline that option and negotiate a more team-friendly pact with the player.

For the season, Reynolds is batting .220 with 12 long balls, but counters some of the strikeouts with his share of bases on balls, lifting his on-base percentage to .335, above league average.

He's not much a defender, but is passable at third and can manage at first base. The question for the Orioles may very well be cost, as their payroll will take a natural jump in 2013 due to the extension given to Adam Jones.

General manager Dan Duquette is expected to seek starting pitching over the offseason, which may put a slugger such as Reynolds on the back burner.