AP
Speaking in the Dominican Republic, Jose Reyes said heâs glad the team wonât be including him in any deal to land Twins ace Johan Santana.
The speedy 24-year-old shortstop told TV reporters in his Caribbean homeland that he grew worried when he heard his name mentioned in trade rumors for Santana, but relaxed when Metsâ management said they wouldnât deal him.
âI feel good in New York and I want to continue playing there for several more years,â Reyes said.
Earlier this month, Omar Minaya said his core players â most likely referring to Reyes, third baseman David Wright and center fielder Carlos Beltran â werenât available.
Minaya has said the team has the prospects to get the deal done without trading one of the teamâs anchors.
A two-time All-Star, Reyes led the major leagues with 78 steals this season. He hit .280 with 12 homers and 57 RBIs.
He hit .205 in September, however, when the Mets became the first team in major league history to blow a seven game lead with 17 to play.