If the Mets don’t release Jose Reyes, they’re choosing sentiment over success
Based on his play this season, the Mets should release Jose Reyes without hesitation. Instead, they want to give him a proper send-off.
There was a time when Jose Reyes was one of the most dynamic players in all of baseball. His speed made him a nightmare on the base paths and he had just enough pop in his bat to push mistakes. Unfortunately for the Mets, that time was 2011.
That’s why it’s so ridiculous that Reyes is still on the club’s roster in 2018. He’s been beyond awful this season. Reyes is hitting a paltry .141 at the plate and he’s struck out as many times as he’s earned a hit. Without the big name, he would’ve been designed for assignment long ago.
His defense isn’t any better. Reyes’ trademark speed is a thing of the past. The Mets have tried to hide him defensively all over the diamond but he’s been well below average anywhere they’ve put him. At this point in his career, he doesn’t do anything on the baseball diamond anywhere close to an acceptable level.
Mets officials have discussed releasing Jose Reyes, but are conflicted given Reyes' roots in the organization. Mets want Reyes receiving a proper sendoff.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) June 6, 2018
It seems the team’s front office is finally starting to under that. It’s being reported that the Mets would like to release Reyes, but they are holding off because they’d like to give him a “proper send-off.”
We’re not talking about Derek Jeter with the Yankees or Kobe Bryant with the Lakers. Reyes has enjoyed a long, productive career with the Mets but he hasn’t drastically changed the franchise in any sort of meaningful way. The team certainly doesn’t owe him any sort of loyalty that will cost them success on the field.
In all honesty, Reyes should bail the Mets out by retiring. He clearly isn’t good enough to play the game he loves any longer. That would allow the organization to honor him properly while he could leave with some pride still in tact. If the Mets really want to honor him, they can give him a nice vice president title and stick him in the front office.
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It’s time for the Mets to start doing everything they can to get competitive on the field. Cutting Jose Reyes loose would be a great first step. The front office needs to worry about the team’s results first, and feelings later.