New York Mets’ Sandy Alderson hints at possible Jose Reyes deal – MLB News
Jose Reyes completed his ‘supposedly’ last year with the New York Mets on a high, winning the batting title and becoming the first player from this ballclub to do so.
However, he has not re-signed with the Mets thus far and general manager Sandy Alderson clarified that fans should not expect any deal between the player and the ballclub, not any time soon at least. The GM articulated that open bidding will begin five days
after the World Series and chances of a deal within that time frame are low.
Alderson said, "I don't really want to speculate on what might happen or not happen before his exclusive negotiating period expires. However, if history is any guide, most players who get to this point don't see any reason to make a decision within the next
30 days. They're that close to free agency. I wouldn't want people to expect that something is going to happen in October."
The general manager pointed out the fact that the team lacks depth because of an inflated payroll and Reyes’ addition will make the situation more complex. Answering a question pertaining to signing another big name if Reyes leaves, Alderson negated the
proposition and expressed his desire to sign more pitchers in an attempt to strengthen the bull-pen.
However, he quickly corrected himself and stated that he is not ruling out the possibility of adding some other big name. The general manager indicated that the team wants to be more creative and add options in order to adapt to changing conditions. With
Citi Field being converted to a batters’ ballpark, the team needs to have a much more flexible and competent bull-pen than the one it currently has.
Sources from the Mets have confirmed that the team is internally planning to spend on Reyes to keep the team chemistry intact. Alderson agreed and commented that not considering signing the All-Star would have been stupidity. However, re-signing Reyes will
largely depend on the various options available to the player and simultaneously to the franchise.
It is likely that the slugger will return to his native team, but monetary incentive will largely dictate the flow of this issue.
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