Reyes returning to Mets, signs deal after domestic violence ban
ATLANTA — Jose Reyes is going home again. The former star shortstop, who was signed by the Mets to a minor-league contract Saturday afternoon, is returning to where the earliest and happiest days of his baseball career took place, with the hope that it can rejuvenate him on the field and rehabilitate his image off it.
Reyes, released by the Rockies, was signed by the Mets as a 16-year-old in his native Dominican Republic. He is expected to join the team after no more than 10 days in the minors, according to a team source. The Mets announced that he will report to the Brooklyn Cyclones and make his debut Sunday.
The move’s been viewed as controversial since the team first leaked news of its interest in a reunion earlier this week. Reyes is coming off the longest suspension handed out under MLB’s new domestic violence policy — 52 games without pay for an October domestic violence arrest.
“As I have expressed in the past, I deeply regret the incident that occurred and remain remorseful and apologetic to my family,” Reyes said in a statement released by the team. “I have completed the counseling required by MLB, have been in ongoing therapy, and will continue with counseling going forward. I appreciate the Mets organization for believing in me and providing the opportunity to come back home to New York.”
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The 33-year-old was arrested in Hawaii after he allegedly grabbed his wife and shoved her into a sliding glass door at a Maui hotel. A hotel security guard reported that Reyes’ wife had injuries to her leg and scratches on her neck, according to a recording of the 911 call. Reyes was released after posting $1,000 bail and was ordered to stay away from his wife for three days. He pleaded not guilty to abusing a family or household member.
Booking photo shows then-Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes after his Maui arrest.
(Uncredited/AP)
The criminal charges were eventually dropped after his wife was deemed an uncooperative witness, but she can re-file charges until 2017.
Per the new agreement, Reyes was put on paid leave from the Rockies on Feb. 23 as the criminal proceedings and the league investigation played out. Reyes forfeited an estimated $7 million of his $22 million salary for the 2016 season. He also was required to contribute $100,000 to a charity focused on domestic violence and participate in counseling and therapy.
Angry fans sounded off online and on talk radio regarding the Mets’ decision to bring a player arrested for domestic violence back to the team. A petition started by Mets fan Olivia Devlin protesting the team’s decision to sign him had over 230 supporters at the time the team announced the news.
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Within the organization — mostly among those who know Reyes — there is disappointment about the alleged violence but a strong belief that the incident in Hawaii was out-of-character. At least two team sources said that Reyes’ wife, who has even reached out to some within the organization, has supported his desire to return to baseball and the Mets.
The Mets believe there won’t be a second incident or that anything from his past would become public and embarrass them. The team had gauged response and in its eyes, the negative backlash would not be enough to hit its bottom line.
Aside from his off-field behavior, the team also has to wonder what the now 33-year old Reyes can actually do for the Mets, who are admittedly struggling with injuries and an impotent offense. The one-time speedy shortstop has been physically diminished over the past few years. While the Mets hope to put him in the leadoff spot, Reyes has not had an on-base percentage at or above .320 since 2014. Before he left to sign a six-year, $106 million deal with the Marlins, Reyes was already prone to injuries. In 13 years in the majors, Reyes has played over 140 games just five times.
Reyes has roughly $40 million left on that contract, for which the Rockies are responsible.
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The Mets will pay Reyes only a prorated MLB minimum, making him the cheapest and quickest chance for them to upgrade their lineup.
Shortstop Jose Reyes last played for the Rockies.
(Sabo, Robert/New York Daily News)
A scout who saw Reyes during his minor-league stint with the Rockies strongly believes that he “could help that lineup.”
“He’s in shape; he’s hitting; he looked great,” one scout said Tuesday afternoon.
A friend of Reyes said this week that the shortstop has never really been happy since he left New York. Reyes makes his offseason home Long Island and embraced the pressure of playing in the city. So Saturday, the Mets gave Reyes a chance to return to the city he loves, the organization he considered family, and the fans who embraced him.
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The Mets just hope they are getting the old Reyes back.
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Reyes returning to Mets, signs deal after domestic violence ban
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