LAKELAND, Fla. — When Jose Reyes signed his six-year, $106 million contract with the Marlins, it hardly seemed realistic to think Ruben Tejada would last longer with the Mets than Reyes would in Miami.
And yet just a year later, Reyes was shipped to Toronto and Tejada remains the Mets’ starting shortstop.
“It’s two different situations,” Tejada said. “But I hope I’m here a long time.”
That’s likely up to him and his bat, which went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the leadoff spot during yesterday’s 3-2 loss to the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. His spring batting average dropped to .143.
With the Mets looking toward the future, they have to decide whether Tejada is the player to leave at short for the long-term behind the foundation of Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler.
“I don’t know who else it would be,” manager Terry Collins said. “I think he could be a part of that. And should be.”
Tejada will never be an offensive force like Reyes, but his OPS dropped from .696 in 2011 to .685 in a more regular role last season.
Collins is confident more distance between Tejada and the notion he had to fill Reyes’ shoes will help. And Tejada agrees.
“Jose is Jose,” Tejada said. “I know he’s a superstar, but I’m my own player and I think I’m ready to stay here. He’s a special player.”
The Mets knew Tejada would never approach the numbers Reyes put up. Still, they’d like more production and Collins is confident Tejada can provide that.
“I’m not talking [Derek] Jeter hitting .320, but there’s no reason he can’t hit .290 and get his walks and play his position well,” Collins said. “He’s got a great arm. But I don’t want to compare him to anybody because everyone talks about Reyes.”
And that doesn’t help.
“Reyes is a sensational player,” Collins said. “This kid is a good player. Last year, he just tried to play his game and that’s what he has to keep doing.”
After irritating some in the organization — including Collins — by not showing up early to spring training a year ago, Tejada made it to Port St. Lucie early this winter.
“He’s done what we’ve asked him to do and I think it’s paying off,” Collins said.
The 23-year-old has put on some weight in the past year and the manager added the team will monitor that to make sure he doesn’t bulk up too much and lose some of his quickness.
“He’s just got to do what he’s been doing,” Collins said. “Catch the ball and get some hits. Sure, he could be more consistent at the plate, but he’s certainly not alone there. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be a good offensive player.”