The Jose Reyes sweepstakes officially is under way.
At 12:01 a.m. this morning, the All-Star shortstop became free to sign with any major league team, after the Mets’ exclusive window to negotiate with Reyes officially closed.
One major league executive yesterday put the Nationals and Brewers atop the list of favorites to land Reyes, who is expected to command less than the $142 million over seven years that Carl Crawford received from Boston last winter.
But any bid for Reyes of even six years could keep the Mets on the sidelines. All indications are general manager Sandy Alderson is unwilling to go beyond five years for Reyes, with it possible the team would offer four guaranteed with a fifth-year option.
A big issue, from the Mets’ perspective, is hamstring injuries that have plagued the 28-year-old Reyes since 2009. This past season he had two disabled list stints with hamstring problems. The Mets, under Alderson, also are looking to maintain payroll flexibility by limiting the number of years they offer free agents.
A person close to Reyes told The Post there is almost no chance the shortstop will accept a hometown discount to remain with the Mets. A second person, who regularly spends time with Reyes, indicated the fact the Mets probably aren’t on the cusp of playoff contention may kill the team’s chances of re-signing Reyes.
“I think that might play into [Reyes’] decision more than he let on to anybody,” the person said.
Alderson indicated earlier this week that the Mets are in no rush to extend an offer to Reyes, and the team’s offseason business will not be affected by how long it takes the shortstop to decide. Ruben Tejada is on deck to become the Mets’ starting shortstop should Reyes depart.
There will be no shortage of interest in Reyes, who joins Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder in a top-heavy market. Besides the Nationals and Brewers, the Phillies, Red Sox, Giants, Angels, Marlins, Braves and Tigers will be in the mix for Reyes.
The Nationals have proven they aren’t afraid to overspend, after blowing away the competition last winter with a seven-year deal worth $126 million for Jayson Werth.
Reyes could be viewed as the missing piece that turns the Nationals into an instant contender, with Stephen Strasburg back from Tommy John surgery and the team in position to perhaps add another starting pitcher.
Reyes’ chances of landing with the Brewers are tied directly to Fielder. The Brewers aren’t in strong position to re-sign their franchise first baseman, who is represented by Scott Boras and expected to shoot for $200 million in his next deal.
Reyes could be had for significantly less in Milwaukee and fill a void created at shortstop, when the team earlier this week declined Yuniesky Betancourt’s option for next season. The team’s best player, Ryan Braun, has lobbied openly for the Brewers to sign Reyes.
For Mets’ fans, the most daunting possibility is Reyes heading to Philadelphia as Jimmy Rollins’ replacement. That would only intensify a rivalry that, among fans, has become among baseball’s nastiest in recent years.