NEW YORK — Sandy Alderson's first major player move as general manager of the New York Mets was an easy one: picking up the $11 million option on Jose Reyes' contract.
"Jose Reyes is one of the most dynamic players in the game and there never was any doubt about picking up his option," Alderson said in a statement Wednesday.
Hired last week to replace Omar Minaya and turn around the team after its second straight losing season, Alderson was open to keeping the three-time All Star with the Mets for much longer.
"A long term deal is not out of the question," Alderson added. "It is something we can certainly discuss at a future date."
The 27-year-old Reyes signed a four-year, $23.5 million contract before the 2007 season. The Mets held an option for next year with a $500,000 buyout.
"I can't wait to get started again," Reyes said. "This is where I began my career and this is where I want to stay. I want to do everything I can to help turn this around here. The last four years have been disappointing for everyone. We have to make it better and we will."
Slowed by a thyroid problem and a side injury, Reyes played 133 games last season after missing all but 36 games with hamstring problems in 2009.
He hit .282, with 10 triples, 11 home runs, 54 RBIs and 30 stolen bases last year.
In eight big league seasons, all with New York, Reyes is hitting .286 with 83 triples and 331 stolen bases.
NOTES
Alderson said Bob Melvin and Dave Jauss will be interviewed for the managerial opening Thursday. … The Mets added right-hander Manny Alvarez to the 40-man roster. The 24-year-old went a combined 6-4 with a 2.17 ERA in 78 2-3 innings for Class-A St. Lucie, Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Buffalo. He converted 17 of 21 save chances.