The Colorado Rockies requested waivers on shortstop Jose Reyes for the purpose of granting his unconditional release on Thursday. The move was a formality that clears the way for his free agency on Saturday at 2:00 PM.
According to several reports, there has been virtually no interest in Reyes from other teams which pretty much places Reyes on a silver platter for the Mets if they want him.
The Mets have not yet made a final decision on Reyes according to several sources, but most of them agree that a reunion is very likely.
According to Jon Heyman, the Mets are weighing the public relations hit from the domestic violence suspension versus the potential impact his play could add to the team’s offense which has been stagnant.
Mike Puma of the New York Post heard that the Mets could include some performance-based bonuses into any contract they offer Reyes.
While some reports say the Mets would play Reyes at third base, and another suggested Reyes would start at second base while Neil Walker is shifted to third base, beat reporter Anthony DiComo now hears the Mets are looking at Reyes as a super-utility player. In that role he would get some playing time at shortstop, second and third base.
One thing that has become clear is that Reyes would need to spend anywhere from 2-4 weeks in the minors to get back to game readiness. He has not played in a big-league game since last season, when he batted .274 with a .310 on-base percentage, and a 82 OPS+ in 116 games with the Blue Jays and Rockies.
Tomorrow we will learn just how serious the Mets’ interest is.
Original Report – June 22
Reports have come out that Jose Reyes is said to be desperate to return to the team who signed him out of the Dominican Republic in 1999. Reyes has made it known that he has pined to come back to the team he left in 2011 for the big money contract he desired and eventually found with the Miami Marlins. Mike Puma of the New York Post spoke with some individuals who are familiar with the situation and who have spoken to Reyes as well regarding his current situation.
Possibly a low-risk, high-reward type move the Mets could make as he would only be owed a prorated share of the league minimum due to being designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies, who are on the hook for $38 million still owed to him. This though is not just about money as the public relations nightmare that may ensue due to Reyes being arrested for domestic violence and serving a 53-game suspension as a result of it may just be too steep to overcome. One American League executive though does not see this being an issue in New York.
“I wouldn’t think there would be much P.R. fallout from what he did — they know him there,” the executive said. “It’s not like he’s going to a new place. He’s a good guy and people know him.”
That same executive also did note that Reyes is likely to need two weeks in the minors prior to joining the big league club. That good guy tag though may no longer be relevant after hearing of the brutal incident that allegedly occurred. The team would be sure to get some backlash if the signing is made.
Looking at things from a pure baseball prospective though, a talent evaluator who just witnessed Reyes in his minor league tuneup believes that he has a lot left in the tank and could help the Mets tremendously.
“He’s got a lot left — lots of energy. They should sign him,” the evaluator said. “They haven’t had a leadoff hitter since he left. … It’s a no-brainer. … I would put him at shortstop. He’s got a cannon still and a lot of range. I know [Asdrubal] Cabrera has done a nice job, but you can move him [to third or second]. I think they are crazy if they don’t sign him.”
Reyes though would also be needing to play out of position. Something he has not been seen to do much in his career other than the failed second base attempt to make way for Kazuo Matsui in 2004. It is though believed he would be able to play second or third base if asked to do so. Mets manager, Terry Collins seems quite open to the idea of getting the chance to manage Reyes yet again.
“He’s a ball. He brings energy to the team, he’s got a great smile, he loves to play and he loves to play here,” Collins said. “He comes every day and wants to be in the lineup, but even then on the days we gave him off, he still kept him ready in case we needed him.”
Things seem to be heating up these last few days as the rumors to sign him continue to swirl and get louder by the day. A source told Andy Martino of the Daily News that owner Jeff Wilpon wants Sandy Alderson to go after Reyes. This may explain the 180 degree reversal after a front office source said last week, there was zero chance the Mets bring back Reyes.
This also could just be the Mets testing the waters to see how the fanbase may react if they do decide to sign their former star. Scouring social media on the subject for the last few days will prove to show an almost 50/50 opinion on those who believe it to be a good or bad idea to sign Reyes. Whatever the decision may be we should find out sooner than later as he is expected to become a free agent this coming Saturday.
