Jose Reyes Back With the New York Mets: Fantasy Fallout

By Bill Pivetz | Jun 25, 2016

Aug 28, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes (7) looks on in the on-deck circle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Reyes and the New York Mets are together again. With a depleted infield, the Mets needed someone quickly. What is the fantasy impact of the move?

Despite what you think of him personally, Jose Reyes was one of the best shortstops in the game with the New York Mets. After a short stint in Miami, he played with the Toronto Blue Jays and then traded to the Colorado Rockies. Then things went sour, which led to the reunion with the Mets. What is his fantasy value for the rest of the season?

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The Mets can definitely use his services for the second half of the season. Reyes will spend one to two weeks in the minors before being promoted to the majors. The only other question is, “Where does he play?” because it won’t be shortstop.

Asdrubal Cabrera has been playing well, four home runs and six RBI with a .238 average in June and a .989 fielding percent for the season. The Mets could move Reyes to third with David Wright‘s future uncertain or they could move Neil Walker to third and have Reyes play second base.

One of these moves would bump Wilmer Flores from a starting job. There were even talks at Reyes playing in the outfield, but it is highly unlikely they go that route.

Regardless of where he plays, there are a lot of questions surrounding his skill. The speed doesn’t look to be there, especially at 33-years-old, and his defense is on a sharp decline, .968 fielding percentage last season.

From 2005 to 2011, including the injury-shortened 2009 season, Jose Reyes had 338 steals in 425 attempts, 80 percent success rate. He had 78 steals in 2007, T-70 in a single season. We’ll be lucky if he reaches 10 this season.

If you play in a deep, 16- or 20-team or NL-only league, then Jose Reyes is worth a look. In standard leagues, he should remain on the waiver wire. All owners interested in him should watch how he plays in the minors before making a decision.

Next: Astros Promote A.J. Reed

The Mets had some prospects they could have called up, but they went with what they know (or knew) and took a risk with Reyes. You’ll be doing the same if you add him, but could be worth it in the end.

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