Mets pick up Reyes' $11M option
The Mets have to decide whether to sign shortstop Jose Reyes to a long-term deal after picking the $11 million option on the last year of his current contract. (Sept. 18, 2010) Credit: David Pokress
Exercising Jose Reyes' $11-million option for 2011, as the Mets did Wednesday, was the easy part for new general manager Sandy Alderson. Figuring what to do about an extension for the homegrown shortstop will be much more difficult, and that decision may have to wait until the end of next season.
"Jose Reyes is one of the most dynamic players in the game and there never was any doubt about picking up his option," Alderson said. "A long-term deal is not out of the question. It is something we can certainly discuss at a future date."
Reyes, 27, just completed a five-year, $33.75-million contract and Alderson is sure to take a wait-and-see approach after two injury-plagued seasons from the three-time All-Star. Reyes' start to last season was delayed by a hyperactive thyroid, and he also struggled with an oblique strain, but still batted .282 with 10 triples, 11 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 133 games. The deadline on his team option was Nov. 15.
"I can't wait to get started again," Reyes announced in a statement. "This is where I began my career and this is where I want to stay. I want to do everything I can to help turn this around here. The last four years have been disappointing for everyone. We have to make it better and we will."
Chris Leible, one of Reyes' agents, wrote Wednesday in a text message that they would be "willing to listen" to the Mets about an extension. Despite numerous leg issues earlier in his career, Reyes played no fewer than 153 games for four consecutive seasons before a hamstring tendon tear limited him to only 36 in 2009.
At last Friday's news conference, Alderson talked about the importance of homegrown players on the roster. But he also expressed fear about "second-generation, multiyear" contracts.
"I would much rather sign a player who has maybe two years or three years' experience to a four- or five-year contract than a player who's got six or seven years to a five- or six- or seven-year contract," Alderson said. " I think that's just looking at the reality of the situation. In some cases you'll do it, but the track record on multiyear contracts isn't all that great."
