ATLANTA — The Mets once gave Jose Reyes his first break, signing him as a teenager out of the Dominican Republic. Now, 17 years later, they are poised to give the embattled veteran his second chance.
Reyes will return to the organization that made him a star. Sources said he will sign a deal with the Mets on Saturday afternoon, only hours after he’s set to be released by the Rockies at 1 p.m.
The reunion brings an element of controversy. It comes on the heels of a 52-game suspension stemming from his October arrest on suspicion of domestic violence. But the Mets weighed that potential baggage and moved forward, quickly deciding that Reyes’ presence would help to brace a roster that has been ravaged by injury.
Reyes, 33, spent 12 years with the Mets organization. Blessed with speed and grace shortstop, he re-establishing himself as one of the most dynamic players in the history of the franchise. His tenure culminated in the 2011 season, the year Reyes won the NL batting title with a .337 average, which led to a six-year, $106 million deal with the Marlins.
However, Reyes in many ways maintained his long-standing connection to the Mets. He even kept his offseason home on Long Island.
The Mets will likely send Reyes to the minor leagues to play third base, lining him up to help fill the void by his longtime close friend and team captain David Wright, whose season is in jeopardy after neck surgery. Reyes could also see time at second base or even the outfield, a possibility that manager Terry Collins hinted at on Friday.
One AL scout believes Reyes still has enough left to contribute every day if he’s moved off shortstop.
“I still thought he could be an every day guy at second base or possibly outfield,” said the talent evaluator. “Still does enough with the bat and on the basepaths to provide value to a team but his rang in the infield was limited from where it had been and I didn’t think he could play shortstop anymore.”
Indeed, Reyes may still bring ability, but he is also not the same player he was during his first tenure with the Mets. Barring a brief minor league rehab stint with the Rockies, Reyes has not played since last season, a result of the domestic violence suspension stemming from his Oct. 31 arrest.
“The consensus is he can still play with diminished ability,” one rival executive said. “That being said, he hasn’t played in forever and to expect difference-making impact is not reality.”
..... - Newsday