Report: Mets Lose Reyes To Marlins; Shortstop To Sign 6-Year Deal
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- According to multiple reports, Mets free agent shortstop Jose Reyes has reached an agreement on a multi-year contract with the Miami Marlins.
According to WFAN's Jon Heyman, the reigning NL batting champion will sign a six-year, $106 million deal early this week.
The report is devastating news for the Mets, who had hoped to re-sign their franchise player to a lesser deal. It is unknown what the Mets offered Reyes, but various reports say he turned down a six-year, $90 million offer from the Marlins earlier in the offseason.
Reyes, 28, is coming off a career season in which he hit .337, just edging out NL MVP Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers for the batting title. Reyes batted .292 during his nine-year run with the Mets.
However, it's possible Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson felt giving a player with a history of injury problems a six-year contract was too much of a risk. It's also unknown how or if the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme, a well-documented episode that has entangled Mets ownership, played a role in the team's finances.
The Mets recently lost starting pitcher Chris Capuano to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The left-hander agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract late last week and now with Reyes' departure questions will surely surround third baseman David Wright, who could become a free agent after the 2012 season if the Mets trade him or do not exercise their $16 million option for 2013.
The Mets finished the 2011 season 77-85, 25 games behind NL East champion Philadelphia.
Please stay with WFAN and CBSNewYork throughout the day Monday for more on this developing story.
What's your immediate reaction to Reyes' reported defection to a division rival? Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below.
