Mark Reynolds officially signs with Indians, Russ Canzler designated for assignment

Solidifying their need for a power hitter in the middle of the lineup, the Cleveland Indians made their free agent signing of Mark Reynolds official on Tuesday, reported Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

A one-year deal worth $6 million, Reynolds' contract also includes incentives of roughly $1.5 million. The 29-year-old slugger has played in at least 135 games and hit at least 23 home runs in each of the last five seasons, and the Indians are hopeful that he can help boost a Cleveland offense that ranked 25th in the majors last year in home runs. While Reynolds is routinely among the league leaders in strikeouts due to his all-or-nothing approach at the plate, new manager Terry Francona is clearly willing to overlook this area in favor of sheer power.

In addition to locking up Reynolds' deal, the Indians also opted to designate utilityman Russ Canzler for assignment on Tuesday. The 26-year-old Canzler hit .269 over a brief 26-game stint with the Indians last season in his first year with the organization, but appears to be the odd man out in Francona's infield rotation going forward.

Indians make Mark Reynolds signing official (1 year, $6M, plus $1.5M in incentives). Russ Canzler designated for assignment.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) December 18, 2012