Jose Reyes is a Met mainly because he loves being here and ownership loves him and — in theory — he came cheap.
That was enough to get him re-signed to a major league contract for $2 million, which isn’t much in the majors. But it came at a time when so many in his circumstance — older and showing decline — had to settle for minor league deals or not even that.
A different Jose, Bautista, did not even sign until Wednesday. A minor league deal with the Braves. To play third base. Perhaps that also reflected teams not wanting to enlist a strong-willed player in decline. But the trend is clear.
Just go to players who were born the same year (1983) as Reyes and currently are in the minors or unemployed such as Stephen Drew (who says he is retired), Adam Lind, Miguel Montero and Brandon Moss.
Reyes does not hit, field or run as well as he used to, plus he had a 2016 suspension imposed by the commissioner under the domestic abuse protocols. Thus, Reyes probably would have had a tough time finding even a minor league deal in 29 other locales.
So understand the fact Reyes is a Met on a major league deal shows he is a bit of a made man around the team, unlikely to be let go any time soon regardless of how overmatched he currently looks.
“At this point of my career, I don’t worry about that,” Reyes said after taking early batting practice Wednesday. “When I believe I can’t do this any more, I will say I am going home and be done. But I still feel like I can do this. It’s only 17 at-bats. I have gone 0-for-17 before, even worse, just not at the start of a season. I am going to stay positive and believe I am going to turn this around.”
Reyes’ status became a bit more of an issue with that 17th hitless at-bat. He pinch hit as the only righty bat on the bench Tuesday and struck out against southpaw reliever Sammy Solis with first and third and one out in the sixth of what was a one-run game that would become a 5-2 Washington triumph. Failing at a huge spot against the Nationals suddenly made Reyes’ roster spot more of a public issue.
But what protects Reyes in this moment is more than just a solid relationship with ownership. First, it is early, it has been cold and Reyes for the first time is trying to learn how to perform without playing regularly. He started just three of the first 17 games as Todd Frazier has started every game, Asdrubal Cabrera all but one and Amed Rosario all but two.
Second, the alternatives in the minors are Gavin Cecchini, Phillip Evans, Luis Guillorme and Ty Kelly. Only Kelly has hit well so far, but he is the only one not on the 40-man roster — and none of these currently stand out as a great alternative.
Third, Reyes opened last year 1-for-28 and has traditionally been a slow starter. From June 24 onward, he hit .298 with a .506 slugging percentage and .866 OPS in 285 plate appearances.
Fourth, the Mets have to think about what happens if Rosario gets hurt or needs further minor league refinement, especially of his hitting. Reyes has slipped as a defender, but is still better at short than Cabrera or Wilmer Flores.
The Catch-22 that Mickey Callaway finds himself in is that for Reyes to hit, he probably needs more regular at-bats, but it is hard to give him regular at-bats when he is not hitting; especially when Cabrera and Frazier are, and those two plus Rosario are showing early durability.
“We have to pick spots for Jose to get going,” Callaway said. “He will adjust to this role and get going.”
Reyes said, “No doubt, yes” that he will adapt to the role because “I am 100 percent healthy and believe in my talent.” At this moment, he says he is too quick as a hitter, drifting with his body forward and not staying back in a balanced approach.
It has led to him having the most at-bats of anyone in the majors without a hit this season. Montero had 11 and was released by the Nationals. Seattle utilityman Andrew Romine also was 0-for-11.
“This bothers me for sure,” Reyes said. “I want to contribute to this ball club. As a player, when you are not doing your job it bothers you. And so this bothers me.”