New York Mets signing Jose Reyes

Jose Reyes is returning to New York where he is signing a free agent deal to play for the Mets after he was designated for assignment by the Rockies.

The New York Mets are signing shortstop Jose Reyes, according to ESPN’s Adam Rubin.

The Mets needed a jolt at the top of the lineup considering they rank 13th in the National League in runs so despite the fact he’s struggled this year and has baggage, the Mets feel the risk is worth the potential reward.

And for Reyes, he couldn’t have asked for a better situation to try to jumpstart his MLB career that has regressed since he left the Mets after winning a batting title in 2011.

He signed with the Miami Marlins before being dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays and later to the Colorado Rockies in the Troy Tulowitzki trade. But he’s struggled since the trade and was suspended by MLB earlier this year for a domestic abuse incident where he grabbed his wife by the throat and shoved her into a door.

Reyes hasn’t played for the Rockies this year before being designated for assignment. He did play in nine minor league games and will need another minor league tune-up before the Mets can think about bringing him up to the parent club.

And when he does, Reyes is expected to hit in the leadoff spot for the Mets. But his position is up in the air. Reyes won’t supplant starting shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, but he can back him up while playing some third and second base and manager Terry Collins hasn’t discounted the possibility of using the athletic and strong-armed Reyes in the outfield.

The Mets will pay Reyes a prorated portion of the $507,500 MLB minimum salary but the Rockies are on the hook for the $39 million remaining on his contract.

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