The Mets Can't Figure Out How To Release Jose Reyes

by Nick Giacone June 07, 2018

Another day, another conundrum for the Mets front office. On Wednesday, Mike Puma of the New York Post tweeted out that the Mets are conflicted on how to handle the end of Jose Reyes’ Mets tenure:

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

Well, they at least have it right in that they need to release him. His offensive production has been putrid, and he’s an absolutely liability on the field. In case anyone needsa refresher here’s a snapshot of his 2018 season:

.141 Batting Average
.208 On Base Percentage
-1.0 WAR

I rarely sympathize with the Mets front office, but this is a tough one. On one hand, Reyes’ play has been detrimental to the team all season, and he’s seemed lost contributing as a role player. The Mets are in dire need of better offensive production, and he’s wasting away a valuable roster spot.

On the flip side, Reyes was one of the better Mets in franchise history and should be remembered as so. He was exciting to watch in his younger years, and most recently provided a spark to the lineup when he was reunited for the 2016 Wild Card run.

Another factor that plays into sending him off right is that we’re in the middle of the season and still planning to contend (keyword: planning). If this were the end of the season, playoffs or not, it would be easier to part ways with an offseason and possible retirement looming. It’s never ideal to release a player who deserves a send off during the season, but if it’s what needs to be done it should go as follows:

The Mets and Reyes announce that he will retire effective immediately, with the possibility of Jose remaining with the organization in a front office or coaching role.
Reyes gives a press conference to announce the news and thank the fans.
In the first game at Citi since the announcement the Mets have a pregame ceremony for Jose on the field and show a commemorative video.
Both parties are able to move on without a fractured relationship, and most importantly, he has his moment with the fans.

Regardless of how it actually happens, I do hope something can be worked out between the Mets and Reyes and that the relationship ends on a high note. He genuinely seems to love playing in Queens and has always endeared himself to the fan base. He also has been a great clubhouse guy in his veteran years, specifically in mentoring Amed Rosario. The end is certainly near for Jose, but that shouldn’t cloud the front office and fans alike from remembering the good years.

NOTE (DARREN): However this ends for Jose, I'm gonna miss him. His play spoke for itself, but he was also one of the first guys I ever really gravitated to as far as a personality goes. As one of the most exciting Mets I've ever watched play, it's sad to see the decline of his career in orange and blue. All the best, Jose. Thanks for everything.