The Jose Reyes era in Colorado came to an end yesterday. His unceremoniously short tenure with the Rockies came to a close with a designation for assignment. The main return in the Troy Tulowitzki trade didn’t even last a full year at Coors Field. An offseason domestic violence saga can have that effect. But where will he end up next? Even with his off-field issues, his bloated contract was the biggest deterrent to a potential new employer. That issue will more than likely be handled by him all but certainly clearing waivers. That leaves Colorado being free to release him, eating over $40 million owed to him in the process. But who is willing to absorb the public relations nightmare that is Jose Reyes?
The Mets have already reportedly passed on a reunion with their former shortstop. The crosstown Yankees seem to feel the same way about bringing Reyes back to the Big Apple. Both these teams are hurting at shortstop, so the decision by both to say “No thank you” speaks volumes. However, you can bet your bottom dollar that some team will take a flier on him. There is a negative stigma on the 33 year old at the moment. But, here are several teams that can’t afford not to at least inquire about his services come his release.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
The team that traded Reyes to Colorado may be the first one to call when he clears waivers. The Jays did Colorado a real solid in taking Troy Tulowitzki off their hands. Releasing Reyes will cost them a pretty penny. If they would have done the same to Tulowitzki, under less dubious circumstances of course, it would have cost over $20 million more. Reyes’ first run with the club was far from a match made in heaven, but they are desperate in their pursuit of the Red Sox and Orioles. Tulo has been injured for most of the campaign. He is barely above the Mendoza Line when he does play. Nevertheless, if Reyes returned to Canada he would more than likely spell the second base pu pu platter of Devon Travis, Ryan Goins, and Darwin Barney. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
DETROIT TIGERS
If the Tigers want to stay in the AL Central mix, they need to make a drastic move. There isn’t a much more seismic transaction at the moment than bringing in Jose Reyes. In fact, I wouldn’t put it past the Tigers to make a trade offer before the shortstop even clears waivers. Their spending habits in this most previous winter gives you that distinct “money is no object” vibe. Incumbent Jose Iglesias is still a plus defender. He is starting to deteriorate with the bat a bit though, registering just a .269 OBP from the nine hole. The last hitter in your lineup isn’t going to set the world on fire in most instances. But in the American League where consistent offense is a necessity, an upgrade anywhere in the starting nine must be considered.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
The AL East could come calling again in the form of the Tampa Bay Rays. They’ve already recalled top prospect Blake Snell to shake up the pitching staff, moving Matt Andriese to the bullpen. If the Rays want to stay in contention for the division and the Wild Card, a similar leap has to be made with their unimposing lineup. Brad Miller isn’t the answer, even for low budget Tampa Bay. Logan Forsythe has been a noble servant as a leadoff hitter, but he could be more valuable further down in the lineup. Injuries to Brandon Guyer and Kevin Kiermaier intensify that top of the order void. Adding Reyes on a cheap deal for the remainder of 2016 is the type of low risk, high reward moves that teams like Tampa Bay must capitalize on.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
This is the destination that makes the most sense at the moment. The ChiSox designated their own aging shortstop, Jimmy Rollins, recently. 22 year old Tim Anderson looks comfortable so far in the bigs, but could use more seasoning. Instead of heaping undue pressure on the youngster with a cutthroat division race, they could bring in Reyes as a more than adequate stopgap. He is an upgrade over the over the hill Rollins, even at his worst. He also allows Chicago to give Anderson everyday at-bats at Triple-A Charlotte instead of sporadic platoon at-bats in Chicago.
Where do you think Jose Reyes will play next, if at all? Will his off field trangressions doom him to an early retirement, or will one of these teams give him a second chance? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @TREVORutley or @sportsftb.