Jose Reyes is one of the Worst Picks Possible
Sep 15, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) slides under Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) tag to score during the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Toronto Blue Jays 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jose Reyes of the Toronto Blue Jays is a very talented ballplayer who has a batting title under his belt and four all-star appearances. Reyes was a top tier fantasy option from 2005-2008 when he averaged 64.5 steals per season. His 2011 season was also elite as he scored 101 runs, stole 39 bases, and hit for a .337 batting average. However, Jose Reyes has still managed to keep his high-end fantasy status based on inconsistent past performance and the fact that he is a shortstop.
Positional scarcity causes the best players at weak positions, such as catcher, shortstop, and second base to be drafted higher than if they offered similar production as a first baseman or an outfielder. Jose Reyes is one of the strongest examples of an over drafted player because he is a shortstop with elite numbers in the past.
In 2014, Jose Reyes played 143 games and scored 94 runs, hit 9 homers, 51 RBI’s, stole 30 bases, and hit for a .287 average. Reyes is still very fast, but he is now 31 years old and has dealt with a few hamstring injuries over the years. At this point in his career, Jose Reyes is a 30-40 stolen base player, which is certainly not worth paying a premium for.
Reyes is a two-category player that comes at a third or fourth round price. It is the type of pick that makes you dislike your whole team. At this point, Jose Reyes is just a glorified Alcides Escobar in terms of fantasy baseball production.
The point of this article is quite simple. Do not draft Jose Reyes because you will probably regret it due to the fact that a high draft pick is being a spent on a player without any truly special fantasy skills. Reyes did finish third among SS eligible players with 30 stolen bases, but nine shortstops stole at least 20 bases, so you are paying a premium for a few extra stolen bases.
The other value that Reyes brings to the table is his position-leading 94 runs in 2014, but runs and steals can often be found on the waiver wire. While Jose Reyes offers strong two category production, your third or fourth round pick could be spent on a far superior option.