Jose Reyes to play waiting game as free agent market opens – MLB Update
New York Mets’ shortstop and star slugger Jose Reyes officially became a free agent at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, but it is largely believed that he will not be signing a deal anytime soon.
The 28-year-old is a rare talent at shortstop and is equally competitive on the offensive front. Other teams are expected to show interest in the player, but Reyes will take his time before signing the final deal. Reyes has expressed his desire to play for
the Mets, but the management wants other teams to place a tag on the player before making an offer for their home-grown All-Star.
Reyes became batting champion for the first time in his career this past season and the management is now mystified over keeping the player among its ranks. Jose’s injury concerns have been a problem, but his all-round abilities cannot be challenged.
The Mets believe that a short-term, not-so-lucrative contract should suffice Jose’s cause, but the stature of the player demands a bit more. Reyes remained tight-lipped on the situation and will assess all options before making a final decision. Nevertheless,
other things constant, Reyes will not settle for a short-term contract, not this early in his career.
While Reyes will attract bids from other clubs, the Mets will gauge his market value and then make an offer. The shortstop will have to remain patient in a bid to make the most of the free market, his first in the still-blossoming career.
The ballclub articulated that it plans to slash its payroll from the 140-million-dollar mark to somewhere around 115-million-dollars. Furthermore, the management made it clear that reinforcements will be made in the bull-pen and that a back-up player is
available to the team in case Reyes decides to leave.
For Reyes, the options are simple: accept a lucrative offer and change alliance for the next season, or compromise on the monetary incentive and strike a four-year deal with the Mets.
The San Francisco Giants might opt for Reyes, given their aim of strengthening their offence during the offseason. The Washington Nationals have also asserted that they plan to strengthen the ballclub and are willing to go the extra mile to fulfil their
desire.
With nothing final yet, it will be interesting to see how the rough waters treat free agents.
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