New York Mets: The 2016 Season in Review

The prodigal son returns

The 2016 season started off as a disaster for Jose Reyes. He had been suspended due to his domestic violence arrest on Halloween 2015, and after playing in the minors for the Colorado Rockies, he was released. With his vocal discontent in Colorado, the baggage surrounding his arrest, and his declining production, no one was interested in the veteran infielder.

Meanwhile, the New York Mets were having their own issues. David Wright, who the Mets were, for some reason, counting on to handle third, was injured yet again. Eric Campbell became a fan favorite, but produced virtually nothing. The Mets needed someone to step in and be, at the very least, somewhat useful on the field.

And so, for the league minimum, they turned to Reyes. Back in New York, he found his ability to produce once again, as he ended the season as the Mets primary third baseman. While he still made the occasional appearance at short, Reyes was entrenched in his new position.

He also produced at his accustomed level in New York. Reyes hit at a .267/.326/.443 clip, hitting eight home runs and four triples. While the speed from his past may not be there, he still tallied nine stolen bases. It is not a surprise that the Mets picked up his option, and will keep him in Queens for another season.

Jose Reyes may not have even been an option for the Mets for most of the season, but circumstances forced their hand. He rewarded that faith with a solid effort, and may be getting back to form.