Marcus Stroman to honor Jose Reyes by wearing a different number next season

In the short time he has been on the Mets, Marcus Stroman has made an immediate impact. His infectious personality can excite any Mets fan. Long ago, the same could be said about Jose Reyes.

Spending a few seasons as teammates on the Blue Jays, Reyes’ influence was strong on Stroman. How strong? Enough to change his current number with the Mets.

When Stroman was traded to New York this past season he donned number seven. Now, as he enters free agency next year, he is starting anew. According to a tweet, Stroman will no longer be wearing number seven.

“Grew up watching the passion and energy of @lamelaza_7 at Shea Stadium. Also, loved playing with him. With that being said, I don’t feel right wearing his number because of the incredible career he had in a @Mets uniform. Excited to switch numbers and compete in Queens next year!”

Reyes spent 12 seasons with the Mets, hitting .282 with over 408 steals. Following free agency after the 2011 season and a few trades, the All-Star returned to the team in 2016. Playing until 2018, Reyes did not play during the 2019 season.

In 11 games played in Flushing, Stroman had a 4-2 record with a 3.77 ERA. It wasn’t until his final few starts that fans got to see a glimpse of what he could truly do. In six years with Toronto, he had a 47-45 record with a 3.76 ERA.