As always, good reading from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…
- The Mets would listen to an offer for shortstop Jose Reyes if the suitor "bowled them over," according to Rosenthal's source, but they're not currently looking to trade him. Rosenthal says the Mets "might be growing more flexible" as to what they're willing to offer Reyes for an extension. The team initially hoped for three years and $45-50MM, which they now realize isn't happening. I can see Reyes getting a Jayson Werth-type contract on the open market, but 60% of the Mets' season remains.
- ESPN's Adam Rubin discussed the Reyes topic recently, writing "it now appears highly likely the Mets will keep Reyes at the trading deadline, take their chances trying to re-sign him as a free agent next offseason, then take the draft picks if he ends up elsewhere."
- Rosenthal says the Orioles want to discuss an extension with shortstop J.J. Hardy before season's end, and The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec quotes Andy MacPhail on his aim to start talks before the All-Star break. The 28-year-old Hardy, who is hitting .287/.363/.473 on the season in 147 plate appearances, would be a nice two-year bridge to top prospect Manny Machado. Of course, Hardy's agent at LSW Baseball knows that his client could get more than two years on the open market if his client remains healthy and keeps hitting. If the O's do extend Hardy before July 31st, it will strengthen Sandy Alderson's position if he decides to move Reyes.
- Rosenthal believes the Blue Jays and Padres, both enduring losing streaks, will soon have to put aside notions of contending.
