The New York Mets signed free agent shortstop Jose Reyes to a minor league contract on Saturday.
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The team announced Saturday they have signed shortstop Jose Reyes to a minor league deal, despite his checkered offseason.
Reyes played for the Mets from 2003 to 2011. The Rockies were prohibited from trading Reyes during his suspension, and upon his return he played nine games for Class AAA Albuquerque, hitting.303 with 2 home runs, 2 RBI and 3 steals in 33 at-bats. The Mets would pay just the prorated major league minimum, and they only pay that for as long as Reyes remains on their big league roster.
Reyes, 33, was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Rockies after missing the entire season to this point after violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. “Some people love me, but I know some people are upset with me”.
“Just watching him play, seeing how he prepares for the game, talking to him”, Gamboa said. “I have completed the counselling required by Major League Baseball, have been in ongoing therapy, and will continue with counselling going forward”.
Reyes was originally signed by the Mets in 1999 when he was a teenager out of the Dominicatn Republic. Reyes played third base for seven innings and committed a fielding error. In fact, manager Terry Collins has reportedly considered using Reyes in the outfield occasionally. “I’m not saying we should give him a bye and I’m not saying what he did was right, but I think he deserves a second chance”. Despite significant injuries to infielders David Wright (neck) and Lucas Duda (back), the Mets could certainly have found a path forward without Reyes. Home fans are forgiving, and Reyes wants everyone to know what counseling has taught him about his massive mistake.
New York Mets rumors recently have heavily involved shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes is also expected to re-assume the leadoff spot when he returns, bumping Curtis Granderson into a slot in the batting order where he can drive in more runs. “I made one mistake, and I respect that people may not like me anymore”. “I understand. I put myself in that situation”.
Jose Reyes is back where it all started, hoping to revive his career after an ugly offseason. Reyes was charged with physically assaulting his wife in a Hawaii hotel room last October. NY doesn’t need a shortstop, which is fine because Reyes is no longer an elite shortstop. “I’m going to try to be a better guy, a better man, better husband”. Reyes had only a.310 on-base percentage last season with the Toronto Blue Jays and Rockies, but he did steal 24 bases in 116 games.
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He said he’s fine with playing new positions and that he doesn’t believe he’ll need much time before he’s ready to re-join the big-league club. The Mets believe that Reyes is honest about wanting to change and become a better man off the field, and if they are committed to supporting him Reyes should thrive off the field as well. That’s not the kind of player I feel like I am.
