MLB Free Agents 2012: Updating 5 Teams with Best Shot at Jose Reyes

The MLB free-agent market has been extremely kind to veteran infielders thus far, and if everything goes as planned, it will be very amicable for former New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes.

At just 28 years of age, Reyes hits the market with many teams willing to offer him a hefty contract.  He may be one of the few complete infielders left for signing this winter, as he is both lethal in the batter's box and in the field.

Which teams have the best shot at landing the superstar infielder this offseason?  Here's an updated list of five teams with a favorable destiny.

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New York Mets

Although the odds of New York re-signing Reyes are slim to none at this juncture, you simply cannot count them out of the running just yet.

Having spent the last nine seasons in the Big Apple, one would have to assume there is a certain amount of loyalty in Reyes' heart toward the organization.  After all, they were the ones who scouted, drafted and filled his bank account for nearly the last decade.

That said, payroll constraints may ultimately lead to Reyes signing elsewhere.  The Marlins have already offered a large chunk of change to the superstar, and it's hard to imagine Reyes taking a pay cut just for the sake of remaining loyal.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are in hot pursuit of a veteran free-agent shortstop to bolster their infield next season, and you'd better believe they're contemplating a potential deal with Reyes.

Reports suggest that GM Doug Melvin has actually contacted Reyes' agent a few weeks back.  However, talks have since subsided.

While many see this as a bit of an exaggeration, many point to Ryan Braun's believe that the club has a good chance at inking the Reyes this offseason.  With Prince Fielder's likely out of reach at this point, Reyes may be Milwaukee's next best option.

Money will be tight, without question, but don't count the Brew Crew out just yet.

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco's adoration toward Reyes dates back to the beginning of last season, as many speculated the club could deal for the speedy shortstop prior to the July 31 trade deadline.

While a deal never came to pass, the Giants' abhorrent production at the plate persisted.  Ranking third-worst among all MLB clubs in BA (.242) and tied for last in RBI (534) last season, Bruce Bochy and company are in serious need for playmaker of Reyes' caliber.

Granted, many see San Francisco looking elsewhere for premium bats this winter, they nonetheless remain a top contender for Reyes.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers, along with Milwauke, are another team looking to reel in Reyes this winter, according to Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman.

While Detroit made it to the ALCS thanks to a superb pitching staff and relatively formidable offense, their 49 combined stolen bases was enough to rank dead last in MLB.  Should this concern remain unaddressed this offseason, the Tigers aren't likely to break through to the Fall Classic.

Reyes, whose 39 stolen bases last season ranked ninth in all of MLB, is the ideal addition for the Tigers this offseason, and you can bet on GM David Dombrowski making a run at the speedy shortstop, available dough notwithstanding.

Miami Marlins

A substantial increase in payroll has the Marlins as Reyes' most likely destination this offseason, notwithstanding their six-year, $90 Million offer to the superstar last week.

Sources have indicated that Reyes is intrigued by playing for new manager Ozzie Guillen, who was once a professional shortstop back in his glory days.  Current shortstop Hanley Ramirez is very much open to the possibility of moving to third base, should Reyes sign, additionally.

Not only does Miami claim to have the most interest in Reyes, but they also present virtually a best-case scenario for the 28-year-old star.

Follow Alec Dopp on Twitter, and read his blog.