The Colorado Rockies have until mid-day tomorrow to hope someone picks up Jose Reyes. They were unable to find a trade partner for the embattled shortstop in the eight days since designating him for assignment and requested waivers Thursday, according to ESPN.
If no team claims him, their only remaining choice will be to release him and hope they can at least cut some losses on the remaining $40-plus million dollars in salary he’s owed by another club picking him up as a free agent at prorated portion of the veteran minimum.
It’s a harsh reality for Colorado and represents a golden opportunity for another team desperate for a proven MLB shortstop, not to mention for Reyes to have a second life after the domestic violence incident that cost him 51 games already this season. More than his financial loss, which will be small in the grand scheme of things, Reyes has lost the chance to do the one thing he’s done professionally since 1999.
There are some MLB executives who say he may be hard pressed to find a job even after his release. Reyes began his MLB career with the Mets, with whom he’s reportedly desperate to reunite and may have interest in signing him. They are one of the few teams that has shown any public interest.
The Rockies come out on top for taking the high road in this whole fiasco by refusing to employ someone who doesn’t uphold the standards of the organization, but they certainly won’t be considered “winners” in the situation. Sadly, Reyes and the Mets will be the only winners when all is said and done.
