Jose Reyes Enjoying Superb Season (Photo Credit: Flickr @MissChatter via Creative Commons license)

New York, NY

The New York Mets may have a huge hole in their infield after the likely free agency departure of All Star shortstop Jose Reyes.

The recently anointed batting champion coming off a career high .337 average will likely demand a six- or seven-year deal in the $120 million range, a price the Mets have made clear they are not going to pay.

"My instinct is no shot," an unnamed Mets exec told the New York Post. "I think if [GM] Sandy [Alderson] asked for it, ownership would follow his recommendations. But where the money is going to go it is not going to be the best way to spend the money, not on one player and not one player with this hamstring thing."

Known for his speed, Reyes led the major leagues in triples in 2005, 2006, and 2008, and led the National League in stolen bases in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Should New York fail to re-sign the four-time All Star, the 28-year-old Reyes would depart as the Mets all-time leader in runs scored, triples, and stolen bases.

It is unlikely Reyes, despite a history of hamstring issues, will take less money to stay in New York. Along with Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, the Dominican Republic native is one of the biggest names to hit the 2011 free agent market.

Where Reyes goes will largely depend on where Pujols and Fielder decide to swing their bats.

The Mets own division may have the most heat, with both the up-and-coming Nationals (packed with future superstars) and Marlins (movinng into new stadium) having expressed interest in Pujols and Fielder. If one or both fail to get either, they may aggressively pursue a merengue session with Reyes.

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