The day after learning that the Mets had exercised his $11 million contract option for next season, Jose Reyes reiterated that he wanted to stay in New York - but added that his future remained uncertain.
"I want to stay here, but right now I'm going to be here for one year. After that, I don't know what's going to happen," Reyes said Thursday at a Manhattan Old Navy store, where he helped New York City schools chancellor Joel Klein and others provide 300 students with a free winter coat and shopping spree as a reward for excellent attendance.
The shortstop, 27, has long stated a desire to remain a Met. He is raising his family on Long Island, and now spends most of his offseason there instead of in his native Dominican Republic. Still, however, the reality could become complicated.
It would behoove the Mets to sign Reyes to a multiyear contract extension this winter, despite two seasons marred by injuries and performance a notch below what he delivered in 2006 and 2007.
But while Reyes clearly enjoys playing in Flushing, it might be more lucrative for him to wait 12 months and test free agency next winter. If he enjoys a strong and injury-free season, Reyes could become a prized commodity. People close to the shortstop say he would be more than willing to discuss a long-term deal this offseason, but has not ruled out waiting, either.
"There is still one more year here," Reyes said Thursday. "I just want to play a full season and see what's going to happen after next season.
"Like I said, right now I just want to get ready for spring training and try to get ready for 150-some games like I did in the past, and see what happens in the future for me."
Reyes said he has not yet spoken with new GM Sandy Alderson. "I'm excited," he said. "I don't know that guy too much. I haven't had the chance to meet him yet. A lot of people say a lot of good things about him, so I'm looking forward to meeting him sometime.
The shortstop has not spoken to ousted GM Omar Minaya or former manager Jerry Manuel - "No, to be honest with you," he said - and was not closely following the Mets' current managerial search.
His focus, no matter who writes the lineup card next year, is to prepare for spring training, and what he hopes will be a healthy and successful year. Reyes' 2009 was marred by various leg injuries and his 2010, while far better for him, was still interrupted at the beginning by a thyroid condition and later by a recurring oblique strain. Next year, then, is an important one for Reyes to demonstrate he is still in his prime.
"I'm going to start working out next week and try to get ready for spring training," he said. "Because, like I said, it's going to be a big year for me next year."
Reyes played 133 games this past season after missing all but 36 games in 2009. He hit .282, with 10 triples, 11 home runs, 54 RBI and 30 stolen bases.
In eight big league seasons, all with the Mets, Reyes is hitting .286 with 83 triples and 331 stolen bases.
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