Reyes, Walker could return

ORLANDO — It’s beginning to sound a lot like deja vu all over again when talking about the 2018 Mets. Sandy Alderson said Monday that Jose Reyes, who is a free agent, is a possible fit for the Mets at second base next year. The 35-year-old hit .246 with 15 homers and 58 RBI last season. Sources close to Reyes said the Mets have not reached out to him yet, but would expect that something could be worked out later this winter.

Reyes lives on Long Island during the offseason and has never been shy about saying he wants to continue playing with the Mets.

The Mets also are considering bringing back Neil Walker, who played almost two seasons for them before being traded last August in the Mets’ payroll dump. Walker, 32, is a free agent for the first time after accepting the Mets’ qualifying offer last year. The switch hitter batted .264 with 14 home runs and 46 RBI in 111 games last season.

In 2016 Walker’s season ended with hernia surgery and in 2017 he missed significant time with a torn hamstring. So while he was looking for a long-term deal on his first time as a free agent, the Mets feel he could be a player that falls into their market. the 22-year-old who has battled his weight will have to be more diligent in his conditioning going forward.

“He was in excellent shape coming into spring training…. having trained at Barwis in the offseason,” Alderson said, making a point to interject the Mets’ controversial strength and conditioning coordinator. “As happens with any long season, fitness dissipates and he’s put on some weight. He played a lot of game, this was not just his first September in the big leagues, but in the Pacific Coast League him and (Amed) Rosario were among the leaders in games played. There were some positive things, he hit for more power than anybody expected, that was under the radar.”

In 49 games in the big leagues, Smith hit .198 with 26 RBI and nine home runs.

The Mets are looking for a middle-of-the order bat that can play both the outfield and first base to give Smith more time to “win it.”