NEW YORK, June 10 (UPI) -- The New York Mets on Tuesday purchased the contract of highly touted shortstop Jose Reyes from Class AAA Norfolk of the International League.
One day shy of turning 20, Reyes has been touted as the best prospect in what is considered to be a weak minor league system.
At Norfolk, the speedy Reyes was leading the International League with 26 stolen bases. He was batting .269 with 13 RBI.
Last season, Reyes was named Most Valuable Player honors at Major League Baseball's Futures Game.
Reyes was given an opportunity to join the Mets after the team placed starting shortstop Rey Sanchez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 6, with a strained left thumb.
Mets General Manager Steve Phillips does not expect Reyes to be with the Mets long before he returns to the minor leagues.
