There’s “almost no way” the Mets will trade Jose Reyes this summer, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Instead, GM Sandy Alderson is leaning strongly toward authorizing a substantial offer for the shortstop after the season, when he hits free agency.
Reyes, who could return from a mild hamstring strain this week, has been among the best players in the league to this point in the season. Alderson doesn’t sound particularly concerned about the injury, but Reyes has told the team he doesn’t want to negotiate in-season, so there’s plenty of time to determine the severity of the strain.
Alderson believes re-signing Reyes would energize the fan base and prevent a hole from opening up in the lineup, according to Sherman. The GM will have to convince ownership that a substantial offer is vital for the team’s success. Earlier this season owner Fred Wilpon said that Reyes isn’t worth a $142MM contract.
Alderson doesn’t generally like massive free agent contracts, but he acknowledges that some big market teams need to invest in stars for fans to spend on and cheer for. The New York front office is not concerned that a big contract would affect Reyes’ drive to succeed.
