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          New York Mets

          Mets can sign Jose Reyes as soon as Saturday

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterJun 23, 2016, 07:06 PM
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          ATLANTA -- If the New York Mets want a reunion with Jose Reyes, they will have the opportunity beginning Saturday.

          After failing to trade him, the Colorado Rockies announced Thursday that they had placed Reyes on waivers for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release.

          Reyes undoubtedly will go unclaimed while on waivers, because a team would have to assume his remaining $38 million in salary through 2017 if it put in a claim. Once Reyes becomes a free agent in 48 hours, any team is free to sign him for a prorated portion of the $507,500 MLB minimum.

          A week ago, the Mets were adamant that they were uninterested in Reyes. They did an about-face after getting swept by the Braves last weekend at Citi Field.

          Reyes continues to live in Manhasset on Long Island and is in favor of a reunion. And Mets manager Terry Collins is particularly fond of Reyes.

          Reyes would not dislodge Asdrubal Cabrera from shortstop, so he presumably would have to get acclimated to third base during a stint in the minors if he rejoined the Mets.

          Although the 33-year-old Reyes no longer has the legs he did a decade ago, he could provide a speed element the Mets desperately need. Reyes hit a combined .274/.310/.378 in 519 plate appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays and Rockies in 2015. He also stole 24 bases in 30 attempts.

          Reyes opened this season serving a suspension for an alleged domestic violence incident involving his wife in Hawaii last Oct. 31. Reyes' wife did not cooperate and charges ultimately were dropped.

          Reyes was signed by the Mets at age 16 in 1999. He remained with the organization through the 2011 season. He departed afterward for a six-year, $106 million contract with the Miami Marlins.