Florida Marlins show interest in Jose Reyes – MLB Update
The Florida Marlins are yet to make a resolute offer to free agent Jose Reyes, but the player feels that the ballclub is highly interested in taking him onboard for 2012. The Marlins gave Reyes a tour of their new ballpark and it seemed that both parties
were satisfied after the meeting.
Reyes is looking for a long-term lucrative deal, but might settle for a shorter-term deal which offers more monetary incentive on an annual basis. The New York Mets have indicated a slash in the payroll and thus are not willing to re-sign their home grown
All-Star. The only way Reyes can play again for the Mets is to agree on a short-term deal with a compromised salary, which is not an option for the 2011 batting champion.
Marlins’ President David Samson did not disclose the details of the meeting, but hinted that signing Reyes is a priority for the ballclub. The Marlins failed to make an impact in this past season and are thus looking to strengthen their roster under new
manager Ozzie Guillen.
One concern for the Marlins is Hanley Ramirez, who currently plays at shortstop and is under contract for at least three more years. There is speculation that Ramirez might be moved to out-field to accommodate Reyes, but nothing is certain and a final decision
will be taken once the roster is finalised.
Samson said, “Ozzie Guillen will get a bunch of players, 25 players, and he’ll tell them exactly where they’re going to play. What Hanley is going to do is not a concern of mine. He is under contract. He will be a Marlin. He is the centerpiece of our team.
He’s the most important piece of our team no matter what. No matter who we sign, he still is. He’ll be in the line-up April 4 and it’s up to Ozzie where to play him.”
News is rife that if Reyes gets the contract, he will become the highest-paid player in the ballclub, going one step ahead of Ramirez. A three-year 60-million-dollar contract might be enough to lure Reyes, but a six-year offer might seem more tempting to
the 28-year-old.
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