MLB: Five Potential Landing Spots for Jose Reyes

Where will former MLB All-Star Jose Reyes land after being designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies?

Jose Reyes is hardly the player he once was. At 32 years old, he’s gone from a player with the ability to steal 50 or more bases in a season to someone who swiped just 24 last year. His defense has fallen off, as has his ability to get on base. Most notably, Reyes just got done serving a 51-game suspension for domestic violence – a public relations nightmare for any MLB organization, and a moral issue for many clubs as well.

Even with his issues on and off the field, someone will take him – right? Let’s take a look at five potential outcomes for Reyes:

The New York Yankees

The Yankees have struggled to fill their infield holes since Derek Jeter‘s departure in 2014. The acquisition of Didi Gregorius prior to the start of 2015, as well as the trade for Starlin Castro this past winter, have both had disappointing results. Gregorius batted just .265 last season, although he’s improved to a .732 OPS in 2016. He also isn’t as fleet of foot as most shortstops, having only 11 stolen bases in 410 career games.

While Gregorius is certainly not Derek Jeter, Castro has been even less impressive at second base. He’s posted a .250 average and a .691 OPS through 68 games as a Yankee. So far, his bat has been no match for predecessor Robinson Cano’s. The Yankees’ middle infield was so good for so long, with Cano and Jeter being an All-Star duo both in the field and at the plate. It’s made two relatively average players seem in need of an upgrade.

If Reyes could return to form, he would be a good remedy for their infield issues, and the short fences at Yankee Stadium might allow him to rediscover his power-hitting abilities. Reyes has had double-digit home runs in six seasons, including two seasons with the Mets in which he hit over 15 homers. Focusing on the long ball would be a good way to compensate for his decline in speed, and the Yankees might be the right team to make that transition with.

The Yankees have already taken on Aroldis Chapman, so it shows they have no moral issue with acquiring a player with a recent domestic violence suspension.

But… So far, New York has said that they have no interest in Reyes. Perhaps watching the continued struggles of Castro and Gregorius may change their mind.

Next: A Reunion With His Old Team