2012 MLB Free Agents: Jose Reyes Sweepstakes Down to Two?
It looks like the market for top free agent shortstop Jose Reyes is quickly developing and may have narrowed to two. The Miami Marlins have an offer out to Reyes and, according to CBSSports.com, the clubs’ “hopes are high” to sign the 28-year-old. The second team is surprisingly Reyes’ former club, the New York Mets, who Jon Heyman of SI.com says are still “holding out hope” that an agreement can be reached.
The Jose Reyes sweepstakes included many teams when the offseason kicked off. While the list of potential suitors was never concrete, one thing seemed very certain; Reyes would not be donning a Mets jersey in 2012.
This sentiment has seemed to change according to industry sources, who say the Mets have upped their offer for Reyes to $80 million over five years. While the Mets are reportedly not willing to extend longer than a five-year deal, the total salary puts them in range of the $75-90 million contract Miami has offered Reyes.
Reyes was reportedly seen in Philadelphia this week, but the Phillies have quashed any rumors regarding their interest. Heyman also says the Braves and Giants seem to be out of the running for Reyes while the Brewers and Tigers interest is “iffy” in his eyes. Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com hears the Tigers are definitely out on Reyes “barring any late intervention by owner Mike Ilitch” and that the Brewers have moved on as well.
That leaves the Mets and Marlins.
Miami still appears to be the favorite to land their biggest free agent in, well, ever. Sources are saying that “everyone seems to think Reyes is the right fit for the Marlins”. I’m assuming that Hanley Ramirez isn’t one of those included in “everyone”, as the All-Star shortstop has seemed hesitant to relinquish his position to Reyes.
The Mets, on the other hand, have never been favorites in the race for Reyes. Even with Heyman’s reports of their increased offer, one has to wonder if this is just an attempt to appease fans that are calling for Reyes’ return.
Whatever the case, it appears Reyes will not be a $100 million man and he certainly won’t be receiving the “Carl Crawford-money” he had reportedly been seeking this winter.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.