Jose Reyes Rumors: Will Colorado Rockies Replace Trevor Story With Reyes?

Jose Reyes rumors might indicate the Colorado Rockies are ready to move on with Trevor Story. The Rockies placed Reyes on paid leave while Major League Baseball investigates whether he violated the new domestic violence policy. A report from the Denver Post made an interesting revelation by comparing the salaries of Reyes and Story. For the 2016 MLB season, Reyes has already made more than Story will for the entire year.

So what does the front office of the Colorado Rockies do if Jose Reyes is cleared by MLB? Team owner Dick Monfort was very careful with his words when he addressed questions about Reyes recently, possibly not wanting to make the situation worse. He did speak about the situation, though, including a moment where he stated that he wants more information on what took place.

“If he did something wrong, he should pay for it. I think what they [baseball officials] want to do is be fair. I’d like to know exactly what happened. It’s easy for us to speculate on what happened. But you’re dealing with a guy’s life here. We’re paying him. So I really don’t know how to answer that other than we’ll deal with it. We knew when we made the trade, the only reason Toronto gave up those pitchers was because we took an equal salary back from them. We knew that going in.”

As for that contract, Jose Reyes makes $22 million this year and $22 million next year. Reyes then has a team option of $22 million for the 2018 MLB season that comes with a $4 million buyout. Reyes was acquired as part of the trade that sent Troy Tulowitzki to the Toronto Blue Jays last season. In 47 games with the Rockies, Reyes would end up hitting 0.259 with 13 extra base hits, 19 RBIs, and 21 runs scored. He struggled to adjust to playing for the Rockies, but was in line to be the starting shortstop again in 2016.

Many Rockies fans came into the 2016 MLB season bemoaning the fact that Jose Reyes wouldn’t be on the active roster. Then Trevor Story happened. In his first six games with the Rockies, Story now has seven home runs and 12 RBIs. That is the highest home run total to ever start an MLB career and it has garnered a lot of national attention for Story. He has even had the Baseball Hall of Fame call to collect some of his game gear in order to show it off in Cooperstown. The explosive debut has caused many Rockies fans to forget about Reyes.

What does Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort do if Jose Reyes doesn’t get suspended by MLB? A decision is expected to come soon, with the possibility that he could be suspended any number of games. A previous report from the Denver Post stated that a suspension could be similar to the 30 games that New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman received. Chapman had domestic charges placed against him as well, and similar to what took place with Reyes, those charges were dropped. This doesn’t mean MLB won’t still suspend him.

If MLB does suspend Reyes, the Rockies won’t have to pay his salary for any games that are missed. The Rockies are only on the hook for games that he could possibly play in, which doesn’t cover any suspensions. A suspension would also make it even easier for the front office to stick with Trevor Story as he continues to hit the cover off the ball.

What Colorado Rockies fans and fantasy baseball owners want to see is a resolution to the situation, whether it involves a suspension or not. That wouldn’t put an end to Jose Reyes rumors, though, as he could become a trade candidate. If he avoids a suspension, there could also be added pressure to get Reyes back in the lineup, possibly forcing another player to switch positions.

[Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images]