Jose Reyes for Dustin Ackley Can Help Both New York Mets and Seattle Mariners

With Jose Reyes announcing last week that he will not negotiate with the New York Mets during the 2011 season, perhaps this a sign that the Mets should consider making a move?

Until now, most teams shopping for Reyes have offered little in return; however, the Seattle Mariners, with a package featuring Dustin Ackley and two or three additional high level prospects, might get the Mets to listen.

Ackley, who arrived in Seattle a little more than a week ago after scorching the PCL at Triple-A Tacoma, has already contributed with clutch hits and some heads up plays against the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, and Florida Marlins.

Coming over the to Mets, he could immediately fill in at second base and eventually complement homegrown first-round talents Ike Davis and David Wright in the infield.  To sweeten the deal, the Mariners could include another former first-rounder, Nick Franklin to play shortstop as the Mets begin to rebuild.

For the Mariners, Reyes would instantly become the catalyst atop the batting order in their drive to win the AL West.  Paired with a suddenly resurgent Ichiro, the Mariners might start generating runs to complement their stellar pitching.

Long-term, Reyes ability to hit to all fields would allow the Mariners to build around him with contact hitters and solid pitching best suited for Safeco Field.  Sure Reyes comes with his fair share of question marks. But this approach makes more sense than pursuing a big bat (Prince Fielder) during the offseason, as Safeco has historically proven unkind to such heavy hitters. 

For the Mets, not too long ago it seemed the franchise finally had the pieces in place to dominate with both David Wright and Jose Reyes leading the way.  Unfortunately things didn't turn out as planned and only seem to get worse with the passage of time.

Jose Reyes is arguably pound-for-pound the most exciting player in baseball when healthy/motivated, and the most talented position player the organization has ever produced.  These simple truths makes it all the more painful for the Mets to trade him. Yet if it has to happen, perhaps a deal like this could help turn the corner following years of disappointment and save face.