The Mets have picked up the Major League minimum option for 2017 on infielder Jose Reyes according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. Heyman also reports that the Mets will pay Jon Niese a $500,000 buyout instead of picking up his $10 million option for 2017.
Reyes signed a deal to return to the Mets on June 25th, just two days after the Colorado Rockies released the veteran. Reyes would go on to hit .267/.326/.443 with 13 doubles, four triples, eight home runs and nine stolen bases in eleven chances for the Mets in 2016.
After being traded by the Mets during the offseason to bring in second baseman Neil Walker, Niese was reacquired by the Mets on the August 1st trade deadline in a swap for Antonio Bastardo. Niese pitched eleven ugly innings for the Mets with a 11.45 ERA before suffering a torn meniscus that needed season ending surgery.
Both moves were seen as no-brainers heading into the offseason. Reyes will return as much needed insurance at third base for the health of David Wright. As well as someone who can give veteran Asdrubal Cabrera a break at shortstop.
