Skip to content

Report: Mets discussing reunion with Reyes, making run at Gourriel

Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Two players who aren't even in the majors are now in the New York Mets' crosshairs to fill the gaping void left in the infield by David Wright's season-ending surgery.

Wright announced last week he was going to undergo neck surgery to repair a herniated disk. Around the same time, the Colorado Rockies designated former Mets shortstop Jose Reyes for assignment, opening up the possibility of a return to Queens.

The Mets were quick to say they wanted nothing to do with Reyes, but now the club is reportedly discussing internally whether to bring him back, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman and Ken Davidoff.

Reyes has only played shortstop since 2005, but the Mets would presumably use him elsewhere. The 33-year-old is coming off a 53-game suspension after violating MLB's domestic-violence program.

In split time with the Toronto Blue Jays and Rockies last season, Reyes batted .274/.310/.378 with seven homers and 24 stolen bases in 116 games.

Another potential option who's been discussed in Mets circles is 33-year-old Cuban infielder Yulieski Gourriel, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

According to a former Mets player, the club would be more inclined to sign Gourriel without having to trade anyone. Not only that, but he says Gourriel was close with current Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes when they were in Cuba, which could help the team in more ways than one.

"I saw where (Yoenis) Cespedes said he was best friends with this guy when they were in Cuba together," the source said, according to the New York Daily News' John Harper. "So you never know, if (Gourriel) is on the team, maybe he gives them a better chance of keeping Cespedes too. I know that might be a reach, but it can’t hurt."

Gourriel, who defected from Cuba with his younger brother Lourdes in February, is one of the most decorated players to have ever played in Cuba.

He hit .488/.569/.858 with 11 home runs and just one strikeout in 35 games last year with Industriales, and played 15 years in the Series Nacional.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox