Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Mets Break Fans' Hearts Again: Reyes Signs $102 Million Deal With Marlins
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 5, 2011
Modified Dec 5, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 5, 2011
Modified Dec 5, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Mets fans are used to bad news, but the scuttlebutt that the team failed to re-sign Jose Reyes, their star shortstop and the only good thing in the organization this past season, seems to be the worst news in a really long time. Sources say Reyes has agreed to a $102 million deal over six years with the Florida Marlins, with a $22 million option for a seventh year plus a guaranteed $4 million. The Marlins had initially offered $90 million over six years, but now the Miami Herald reports, "By increasing their offer to Reyes, they knocked the Mets out of the running to hang on to their shortstop. The Mets were reportedly willing to give Reyes no more than five-year deal worth $75 to $80 million."
ESPN explains, "Reyes, 28, is coming off the best year in his career. He hit .337 for the New York Mets to win his first batting title. In nine years, all with the Mets, he has batted .292 with 370 steals and 740 runs scored," but Mets manager Sandy Alderson said the Mets never made a formal offer. The Daily News reports the team is "planning to cut payroll this winter from about $130 million to approximately $100 million, and Alderson claimed that was only partially related to the team’s Bernard Madoff-related financial woes." Alderson said, "Bernie Madoff and his specter are always referenced in these situations. I really don’t think that Madoff has that much to do with this. But when a team loses $70 million, irrespective of Bernie Madoff or anyone else, that is probably a bigger factor in our approach to this season and the next couple."
The Marlins have been aggressive to make their move to a new ballpark in downtown Miami splashy. They are reportedly also interested in the best player in league, Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals: "One source who spoke with the Marlins' brass said Sunday that Reyes' contract was structured in a way that would enable them to sign one more prominent free agent -- and that Pujols was their No. 1 target."
Tagged
baseball
florida marlins
jose reyes
marlins
mets
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 17, 2026 at 11:36 a.m. ET
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
Seeing high hopes dashed had become so routine, it was part of our identity. This year feels different.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
Seeing high hopes dashed had become so routine, it was part of our identity. This year feels different.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Man messaged 'I got straight poison' before giving NYC college students fentanyl, feds say
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .