Last offseason, the Mets lost out on the prime player they were targeting in free agent Ben Zobrist. The team though may have themselves a very Zobrist like player in 2017 with a versatile Jose Reyes.
Reyes could not have done anymore for the 2016 Mets, proving that he was not the washed up veteran that many thought he had become. Things had come full circle for the man who signed with the Mets as an international free agent at the young age of 16.
Jose showed his ability to adapt to new positions, manning the hot corner with relative ease. He was able to fill in at shortstop to spell Asdrubal Cabrera when necessary as well.
In order to make himself more attractive to the Mets, Reyes had even offered to play outfield in 2016. It is said that when Sandy Alderson was discussing bringing Reyes aboard with his agent Peter Greenberg, he had asked his thoughts on Jose playing left field as the the team was also pursuing Cuban free agent, Yulieski Gurriel at the time.
“Tell Chris [Leible, one of Greenberg’s deputies] to get me a left fielder’s glove,” Reyes said. (NY Post)
Reyes wanted to show he was willing to do whatever the Mets may have needed. He just wanted another chance. Reyes received it and rewarded his team with some vintage play.
To add to his super utility type role in 2017, it is possible we may see Reyes get some time in the outfield in certain situations. With an entire spring training to work on it for the coming year, it will be interesting to see if it is a route the Mets may look to take.
Reyes provided the Mets with a great bat atop the order in his 60 games with the team. Jose hit to a .267/.326/.443 batting line to go along with eight homers and 24 RBI. Reyes also swiped nine bases and helped produce 45 runs.
