Miami Marlins extend initial offer to Jose Reyes – MLB Update
The Miami Marlins made an opening bid for Jose Reyes on Tuesday, November 15, but were quick to assert that this is not the final offer. The Marlins offered a six-year 90-million-dollar contract to Reyes, who had desired a long-term contract after becoming
a free-agent for the first time this past season.
At 27-years, Reyes is testing the waters of the free market for the first time, after the New York Mets decided not to extend an offer to their shortstop during the exclusive negotiation window and rather wait for the market to determine a price tag for
Reyes. Now that the Marlins have made an offer, the Mets are in a fix, unsure what to do.
The Mets had indicated their desire of slashing the payroll by at least 30-million-dollars for the next year and re-signing Reyes will not make that possible. However, the management was keen on making an offer to Jose once the interested teams are done
making their offers. Jose is known for his leg injuries and thus the Mets seemed complacent that no team will go overboard with the player. However, the 2011 batting champion has much more to offer than just injuries and all teams regard his offensive as well
as defensive abilities.
At six-years, the offer does not seem to be attractive, but this is an early stage and this can be a major reason for the Marlins making such an offer. Furthermore, making an offer was necessary to ensure that the team was interested and that the meetings
were not just for the sake of meeting. Hereafter, both parties will have the option to negotiate and thus a better deal can be finalised.
It is evident that the Marlins have a liking for Reyes and the latter has reciprocated the liking as well. Thus, this offer will not be deemed to be final and there will be room for talks. A source from the Mets asserted that the ballclub might make an offer
to Reyes before he signs elsewhere, only if the offer is close to what the Mets believe it should be.
With the Marlins at an advantage now, it will be interesting to see how things unfold.
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