Jose Reyes could come back as a utility player in 2017

When the Mets signed Jose Reyes this season, it seemed a questionable move. He was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, a 50-game suspension for a domestic violence arrest, and a release from the remainder of his $106 million contract by the Rockies. But, at least on the field, the signing proved a successful one for Sandy Alderson, with Reyes handling third base well in the absence of David Wright.

In 2017, Reyes’s role will become less concrete, as Wright expects to return by spring training, meaning if Wright remains healthy Reyes will give up his new home at third base. Additionally, with Asdrubal Cabrera manning shortstop, Reyes may end up playing some outfield next season, the New York Post reports. Alderson approached Reyes with the idea during negotiations back in June and Reyes was reportedly open to the idea, turning to his agent and asking one of his deputies to “get me a left fielder’s glove.”

Without a true position next year, but with a bat good enough to remain atop the lineup, Reyes could become the Mets’ version of Ben Zobrist—a utility player who can man almost any position on the field. Reyes already has experience at every infield position except first base, and would probably spell Cabrera at short whenever he needs some rest.