Waiting might earn big bucks for Jose Reyes – MLB Update
Jose Reyes has been the most exciting commodity in the free agent market this year, attracting offers from many teams. Central to this saga have been the New York Mets, who are willing to retain their home-grown All-Star slugger at a price they want to.
Further, the Mets are not content on giving Reyes a long-term contract and are looking to sign a three-year deal with the 28-year-old. Making matters worse, the Mets announced Ruben Tejada as a replacement for Reyes at shortstop, if Reyes decided to leave.
With many teams looking to strengthen their rosters and willing to spend the extra cash, Reyes has no reason to show sincerity to the only ballclub that he has ever known. The free market features top-quality sluggers and if Reyes stays patient, he is likely
to attract huge bucks. The likes of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are seeking hefty contracts as well and it seems that Jose’s chance will come once both home-run hitting machines earn a new deal.
The Mets believe that Jose should not be attracted to lucrative offers and should remain loyal to the franchise. The management wants Reyes to settle for a discount and then not demand a lengthy contract. However, this is not how things work.
A ballclub source said, “My instinct is no shot. I think if [GM] Sandy [Alderson] asked for it, ownership would follow his recommendations. But where the money is going to go it is not going to be the best way to spend the money, not on one player and not
one player with this hamstring thing.”
This statement might be useful for the NL East competitors, who might benefit from Reyes’ acquisition. The Washington Nationals have expressed their desire to sign big names during the offseason in a bid to qualify for the 2012 postseason. With Reyes in
the mix, the Nationals might be attracted by his rare talent at shortstop, who is renowned for his offensive abilities.
To add to Jose’s credit, he became the batting champion for the first time in his career this past season, adding confusion to Sandy Alderson and Co.’s future plans.
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