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Let the past die – Cutting Reyes is the best thing for the Mets

Once the most dynamic player in team history, the Mets must do the right thing and release Jose Reyes

Last December, Star Wars: The Last Jedi took the world by storm. The latest film in the space adventure series was polarizing; some thought it was an unnecessary, out of place feature compared to the other films, while there were a select few that loved everything about it. This author can nod in agreement regarding the former argument.

Regardless of what you thought, there are several notable scenes and quotes in the film. There was one quote that was definitely catchy, one that relates to the Mets’ situation with Jose Reyes:

“Let the past die. Kill it, if you have to.”

These words by Kylo Ren, while under different circumstances, have never been truer. At this moment in time, the Mets are dead in the water. Terrible coaching decisions, bullpen woes and a lack of hitting have plagued this team all season. While one player is not fully responsible for the latter of the issues, Jose Reyes is indeed at the center of it. After bringing him back on a one-year, $2 million deal, the Mets expected him to be a mentor to the young players on the roster, specifically Amed Rosario. Right now, he has become a waste of perfectly good roster space.

It is quite puzzling keeping Reyes around. He is clearly not the same player that won the batting title in 2010 with the Mets. In fact, since then, he has spiraled, both on and off the field. Let’s not forget his abysmal slash line this season: .186/.265/.255 with 19 hits in over 102 at-bats. Rosario, the supposed future of the team, is now getting benched to “clear his mind”, while Reyes continues to have woeful at-bats against the best, and not so best, that baseball has to offer.

What’s stopping the team from cutting him? There are several reports that the Mets would like Reyes to retire. They would provide him with a press conference and a ceremony, similar to what happened to Alex Rodriguez and Ichiro Suzuki. Why hasn’t it happened yet? Nobody knows, but ideally, that is not what the fans want. Today’s sports fan has become a, “what have you done for me lately” crowd, and they want what is best for them. It turns out, cutting Reyes would help both them and the team.

As sad as it is to say, Jose Reyes is not a player one can rely on anymore. Gone are the days of the steals and triple machine. The Mets have a decision to make on Reyes, one that must be hard on them. It is a necessary deed that needs to be done, however.

Once one of the most celebrated players in team history, Jose Reyes has turned into an afterthought. While saying goodbye to him once and for all won’t solve all of the team’s issues, it is a start.

Sound off: How would you handle the Jose Reyes situation?

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Baseball Editor, Misc. Sports Editor. Covers all things combat sports (MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing). When he's not writing, Daniel hosts a podcast, The Main Event.
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