Jose Reyes is getting a second chance. And, the New York Mets are hoping a former franchise-cornerstone can once again be a key cog in their offense.

After being suspended by Major League Baseball for the first two months of the season for a domestic violence incident in the off-season, Reyes was cut loose by the Colorado Rockies and officially hit the free agent market on Saturday. The Mets, the team Reyes spent the first nine seasons of his career with, wasted no time signing him to a minor league contract. Some of the team's fans have objected to the signing based on details of that incident, which reportedly involved Reyes grabbing his wife by the throat.

In announcing the news, the Mets official website noted Reyes has shown remorse for his actions:

The Mets signed Reyes only after being satisfied with his remorse regarding his domestic violence case, and under the condition that he will continue to undergo counseling.

"We're acutely aware of the issue that exists," general manager Sandy Alderson said. Reyes, in a statement, added: "As I have expressed in the past, I deeply regret the incident that occurred and remain remorseful and apologetic to my family. I have completed the counseling required by MLB, have been in ongoing therapy, and will continue with counseling going forward. I appreciate the Mets organization for believing in me and providing the opportunity to come back home to New York."

Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets
Chris, McGrath, Getty Images
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Reyes is scheduled to play the Mets' Class-A affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones, on Sunday. He'll stay for a week or so before joins the Mets, the team's official site reports. The 33-year-old shortstop - the Mets' all-time leader in triples and stolen bases - is still owed nearly $40 million by the Rockies, ESPN reports:

The Rockies are responsible for the remaining $39 million owed to Reyes, minus a prorated portion of the $507,500 MLB minimum that the Mets would pick up.

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