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Yoenis Cespedes Best Served Signing One-Year Deal With New York Mets

By Jacob Kornhauser

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The free agent market for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes hasn’t quite panned out like he thought it would this offseason. Many thought he would have a mega deal by now, but he still hasn’t agreed to terms with anyone.

Reportedly, Cespedes had a five-year deal on the table from the Baltimore Orioles, but with the team re-signing slugger Chris Davis to a seven-year, $161 million deal, they’re almost surely out of the bidding for the Cuban outfielder.

Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Orioles’ signing of Chris Davis has likely put them out of the running for Cespedes.                              Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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When it comes down to it, there are three major reasons Cespedes should stay in Queens:

  • Weak division, could play for a contender
  • Would make larger annual salary than on multi-year deal
  • Could see if he really likes playing in New York

Calling it bidding is generous, though. Cespedes’ options are dwindling and it appears re-signing with the New York Mets on a one-year deal might be his best remaining choice.

It gives him a chance to beat up on National League East starting pitching and puff up his stats while playing for a contender that he appeared to enjoy playing for last season. With their current roster, the Mets could compete for a World Series with Cespedes in the middle of the order.

On a one-year deal, Cespedes would also certainly get more than the $14-16 million annual salary that was reportedly offered by the Orioles on a multi-year deal.

Sep 2, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Cespedes needs to find out whether or not he wants to call Queens his long-term home.                             Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The veteran outfielder could also make sure he wants to play in New York long term without committing beyond 2016. A couple months isn’t enough for a player to decide if they want to stay in a particular place. An extra year in town could give him a better idea of where he wants to spend the rest of his career.

When it comes down to it, it’s all about the money. If Cespedes is thinking long term, he won’t settle for a multi-year deal that pays him in the $14-16 million range this offseason. He will re-establish his value on a one-year deal and get a bigger contract next offseason.

Of course, that’s as long as he produces the same magic he did late last season.

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