New York Mets: Jose Reyes Reunion Reportedly Likely

The New York Mets are reportedly planning to sign their former shortstop, Jose Reyes, for the remainder of the 2016 season.

On June 15, the Colorado Rockies designated shortstop Jose Reyes for assignment. The 33 year-old infielder served a 51 game suspension for a domestic violence incident that took place in October of 2015, and hasn’t played in the Major Leagues this season.

The Rockies were unable to find a trade partner to take on Reyes and the remainder of his contract, and he is expected to clear waivers on Saturday. Once that happens, Reyes will be free to sign with any team, and multiple reports indicate Reyes will return to the team he once starred on, the New York Mets.

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Sources told Marc Carig of Newsday that, “all signs are pointing toward a (Reyes/Mets) reunion as soon as this weekend.” Reyes has reportedly expressed interest in returning to the Mets, and the Mets, without David Wright, would like Reyes to return as well.

Reyes is still being paid on the initial six-year, $106 million deal he signed with the Miami Marlins in December, 2011. In signing that deal, Reyes chose to leave the Mets. After making stops in Miami, Toronto, and Colorado in the time since, it appears Reyes may come full circle.

If the Mets do indeed sign Reyes, he would only be owed the prorated portion of the Major League minimum salary, which to this point in the season is roughly $277,000. As for the rest of the money owed on the $106 million deal, Reyes is still due $41 million, which the Rockies will pay.

Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com reports the Mets wouldn’t be looking at Reyes to take either Asdrubal Cabrera’s spot at shortstop, or Neil Walker’s spot at second base. Rather, the Mets would rely on Reyes to play a bevy of positions, and provide an offensive spark off the bench. Dicomo also reports that, if Reyes signs, he’d likely be sent to the Minor Leagues to see time at third base. The Mets are without third baseman David Wright, who underwent neck surgery.

Not just for defensive purposes, but as it pertains to his all-around game, Reyes will likely need some time to get assimilated once again. Due to his suspension, he hasn’t played in the Major Leagues this year, but he did have a brief Minor League stint in the Rockies’ organization before he was designated for assignment. Reyes played in nine games at Triple-A this year, hitting .303/.425/.485. He also stole three bases.

While Reyes would be a familiar face in New York, and likely don his No. 7 jersey once again, he wouldn’t have the same role he once did. In fact, manager Terry Collins has reportedly considered using Reyes in the outfield occasionally. Reyes has appeared in 1509 Major League games in his career, and has never seen time in the outfield.

If Reyes can provide a spark offensively, and prove to be an effective utility player around the infield defensively, the Mets would be satisfied. Reyes is no longer an everyday starting shortstop, there isn’t any debate about that. But he can still be a role player on a Mets team trying to return to the World Series for the second straight year.

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Of course, Reyes comes with the reputation of having a domestic violence incident in his past. To put it bluntly, these kinds of incidents are cringeworthy. However, as with Aroldis Chapman and others, teams have proven they will be accepting of the player and their past, so long as they produce on the field. Reyes, a four time All Star, former batting champion, and the Mets’ franchise leader in stolen bases, shouldn’t be expected to produce like he did in his younger days, but the Mets are hoping he can turn back the clock and provide a spark.

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