2012 MLB Free Agents: Jose Reyes Signs with Marlins
It’s being reported that the Miami Marlins were finally able to reel in their prize free agent, All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes. According to Ken Rosenthol, the Marlins and Reyes have agreed to a six-year, $106 million deal. The deal, which is still pending a Reyes physical, comes a day before the start of the 2011 Winter Meetings.
The Marlins have been tied to several top-tier free agents this winter, as early the club had reportedly extended offers to players such as Reyes, Albert Pujols and Mark Buehrle. No one was sure of the true intentions of the Marlins, though with their new stadium and move to Miami, it appeared the club had some extra cash to work with.
The Marlins made their first big signing of the offseason last week, agreeing to a three-year, $27 million contract with one of the league’s best closers, Heath Bell. While this filled a hole for the club, their main target this winter was reportedly Reyes.
Miami was finally able to get their man Sunday. Entering the weekend, it was reported that the Marlins and Mets were the final two players in the Reyes sweepstakes, as each had offers on the table of around $80 million for the shortstop.
Yesterday the Marlins bumped up their original offer for Reyes. It appears that increase, as well as the fact that Miami was willing to go six years, was what brought Reyes to Miami.
The 28-year-old is coming off his best season as a pro. In 2011, Reyes hit at a clip of .337/.384/.493 with 54 extra base hits and 101 runs scored. His work at the plate made Reyes last season’s Batting Champion.
While Reyes now has his money, a few things are still to be determined in Miami.
First, we’ll have to see what type of value the Marlins get out of Reyes over the life of their new deal. The shortstop has struggled with hamstring problems over the years, and Reyes’ game is built around his speed. His career numbers (.292/.341/.441), while still impressive, fall short of last year’s lofty totals, so it will be interesting to see what Reyes offers the Marlins going forward.
The other big-name player in Miami impacted by this deal is Hanley Ramirez. The All-Star, who had for some time been considered one of the best, young shortstops in the game, will have to switch positions in 2012 to accommodate Reyes.
Originally Ramirez said this was something he was willing to do. But, as it became more evident that the Marlins were major players for Reyes, Ramirez began to change his tune a bit. It will be interesting to see how Hanley handles the move this winter and next season.
Our readers correctly selected the Marlins as the team that would sign Reyes this winter.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.