After being linked to Jose Reyes for some time, the Mets on Saturday announced that they have signed the veteran infielder to a minor-league contract. He'll report to the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Reyes was recently released by the Rockies, who put him on waivers following his return from a 51-game suspension under the league's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. That suspension stemmed from an incident last October in which Reyes was charged with physically assaulting his wife in a Hawaii hotel room. Charges were eventually dropped because Reyes' wife declined to cooperate with the investigation.
"We made the decision to offer a contract to Jose after extensive consideration and discussion with Jose, his representatives, Major League Baseball and various departments at the Mets," general manager Sandy Alderson said in a statement. "We are convinced that Jose has accepted responsibility for his actions and their consequences and have confirmed he is taking steps beyond those prescribed by MLB, including ongoing counseling. Accordingly, we believe he deserves a second chance to return to our organization."
Reyes echoed Alderson's comments in his own statement.
"As I have expressed in the past, I deeply regret the incident that occurred and remain remorseful and apologetic to my family," Reyes said. "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."
When and if Reyes returns to the majors, he'll play for the prorated major-league minimum. That means the more than $40 million he's owed on his contract will remain on the Rockies' books.
Reyes, 33, batted just .274/.310/.378 for the Blue Jays and Rockies in 2015. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Mets before leaving to sign a free agent contract with the Marlins prior to the 2012 season. With the Mets, Reyes was a four-time All-Star.
The injury to David Wright and his uncertain timetable has left the Mets in need of infield depth, hence their signing of Reyes.
