Mets Rumors: Interest in Jose Reyes Growing
New York Mets Rumors: There is growing interest within the Mets’ front office concerning whether they should bring former shortstop Jose Reyes back to New York.
According to the Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, there is internal debate among the members of the New York Mets’ front office about signing Jose Reyes after he clears waivers and becomes a free agent this week. This is not a firm indication that the Mets will sign Reyes, because they would have to deal with the public backlash that such a move would receive.
The domestic violence charges against Reyes have turned some of his former fans into haters, and now these fans may be forced to watch him play for the Mets if they choose to sign Reyes.
The anemic offense and infield issues of the Mets provide a need for a viable infielder, but is he the player they should pursue? There aren’t many great options currently available, and when you factor in how they would only have to pay Reyes a prorated salary of the Major League minimum, he looks like a realistic acquisition.
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With David Wright‘s surgery and long recovery timetable, the Mets need a third baseman. With Asdrubal Cabrera cooling off at shortstop, they need to add someone who can play multiple infield positions or anchor the left side. Reyes potentially fits the bill, and could also play third if needed.
He’s no longer the speed threat he once was, but he would still provide the leadoff hitter the Mets have been looking for. At age 33, his speed is probably deteriorating, but his ability to make contact with the ball can help the team from a baseball standpoint. He won’t lead the league in batting average, but he can generate some offense.
His stats last year with Toronto and Colorado weren’t eye-popping. He batted a combined .274 with seven home runs and 53 runs batted in. His .310 on base percentage and .688 OPS were average at best, and do not resemble the same player he was during his prime years with the Mets. His numbers also declined after he was traded to Colorado, which is concerning because hitters usually perform better at Coors Field.
The Mets signing Reyes is still a longshot, and probably won’t happen. The reports that the front office is having discussions about adding him shows us that they are looking for a cheap way to address their offensive and infield issues. Reyes would not cost them much money or prospects, and could affect their trade deadline moves if he performs well.
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The Mets need immediate offensive and infield help, and just the fact that they are considering Reyes shows how desperate they are.
Signing Reyes could also be a public relations nightmare, especially if he plays below expectations. I don’t think the Mets will sign him due to his domestic violence concerns outweighing any positives, and instead I project them to be more active as the July deadline quickly approaches.