PORT ST. LUCIE — Sandy Alderson left the Mets’ checkbook in New York, so Jose Reyes shouldn’t plan on receiving a new contract during spring training.
On a day Reyes was traveling to Florida for the start of workouts later this week, Alderson, the new Mets GM, made it clear he is ready to take a wait-and-see approach on his shortstop, who can become a free agent after the season.
“I’m a kind of person that likes to get a feel for people and how they tick and be around them a little bit,” Alderson said. “So this isn’t just about scouting evaluations, this is getting comfortable with Jose and other people in camp, as somebody who hasn’t been around.”
Reyes arrived at Digital Domain Park in a taxi late yesterday afternoon but will not speak to the media until today.
During a public appearance last week, Reyes said he will not let his contract become a distraction. He also said he won’t go the Albert Pujols route and set a deadline for negotiations.
If Reyes, who turns 28 on June 11, remains healthy and produces good numbers, he figures to command upward of $100 million on the open market. But given the fact Reyes has battled injuries the past two seasons, Alderson doesn’t feel the need to rush into negotiations.
Alderson did not rule out the possibility of negotiating with Reyes during the season. The GM said he likely will have a conversation with Reyes to make sure both parties are on the same page.
The Mets are facing a lawsuit by the trustee for the victims of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, but Alderson is working under the assumption he has the green light to give Reyes a hefty new contract. It doesn’t hurt that the Mets could have upwards of $65 million in contracts coming off the books after this season.
“I’m confident I can do anything with one individual player,” Alderson said. “Anything we do is going to be viewed [by fans] through the prism of what’s going on in New York [with the lawsuit]. All I can do is try to make the best baseball judgments, and at this point I’m not facing any limitations and don’t expect to.”
Alderson also tried to dispel the notion Reyes isn’t his kind of player.
“That [perception] probably alludes to his reliance on speed and my stance that maybe speed is not as critical,” Alderson said. “But [Reyes] brings so many different things to the table that you can’t just focus on the speed element. And the speed element is a plus — there is no question about that.”
What kind of player is Reyes when he’s healthy?
“It depends, I guess, on your definition of healthy,” Alderson said. “But he’s definitely the kind of impact player who can make a huge difference. But it’s a matter of being the whole package. It’s the on-base percentage, defense, stolen bases, the little bit of power that he has. It’s the whole package that you’re looking for.
“In any given year, some of it shows up stronger than others. That’s true for any player, not just Jose. I know he’s motivated. That’s good for us.”
mpuma@nypost.com