Why Jose Reyes’ Injury-Riddled Seasons May Turn Out for the Best

I’m not going to say that it’s a good thing that the Mets have lost so much time from Jose Reyes since the end of 2008 for various injuries-first the calf/hamstring that lasted all of 2009, then the thyroid that seriously impeded his in-game play in early 2010, to the oblique that yet again seems to have thrown Reyes’ timing off of late (since returning from that injury).

In 2009, the Mets were so decimated by injuries that Reyes probably wouldn’t have made a difference. With full health this year, he’s probably worth another 2 wins or so to this point.

Reyes’ contract is actually up after this year, but the club has a $11 million option it can exercise on Reyes, which it will undoubtedly do.

The trio of injuries that have affected Reyes over the past two seasons have called his health into question as well as somewhat decreasing his stock “on the field:” since teams have not seen him as 100%, they will inherently view his abilities having declined somewhat, which I believe is untrue-we have indeed seen the best of Reyes this year; incidentally, it was during his hottest stretch starting in the third week of May that went through his injury during the Puerto Rico series that he, and the Mets, were at their best.

But getting back to 2011, Reyes has the ability to walk after the season. However, he’s said he would prefer not to leave the Mets. It’s clear that he’s very comfortable in New York and has enjoyed playing with the core of this team. He seems to like being the center of attention, and at his best, he draws that attention which feeds into him even more.

So the plus here is that Reyes’ injuries could actually decrease his market value to the point where if he ends up taking a hometown discount, the Mets could save to a second degree. It’s also important because when you talk about locking Reyes up into his mid-30s, the same will have to be done with David Wright two years later, and David is certain to make $20 million a year if he keeps up his stellar play, maybe less with the hometown discount.