MLB Trade Deadline Retrospective: Yoenis Cespedes to the Mets

Taking a look at the mlb trade deadline from a year ago today when the Detroit Tigers sent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to the New York Mets for two young pitchers.

In the offseason before the 2015 season, the Detroit Tigers traded away pitcher Rick Porcello and in return, acquired outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Just half a season later, a year ago today, the team would send Cespedes to the New York Mets.

Right around the trade deadline of last season, the Tigers had to make a tough decision. Become buyers and compete, or sell off expiring contracts and rebuild for next season. Sitting 3.5 games behind the second Wild Card spot held by the Minnesota Twins, the Tigers opted to sell.

As for the Mets, after being absent from postseason play since 2006 including two collapses down the stretch of the regular season, the team looked for an extra bat in the middle of the lineup that could change the outcome of the game in one swing.

They had been rumored to acquire Milwaukee’s Carlos Gomez, but after a failed physical and some memorable on-field tears, locked their eyes on Cespedes. The Mets had pitching, but all they needed was a star outfielder.

The rebuild began with left-hander David Price being the first Tiger to go. Price was traded for three prospects including one of MLB’s top pitching prospects, Daniel Norris.

The next day, the Tigers shipped off power-hitting outfielder Cespedes to the Mets. In return, the Tigers acquired two pitching prospects, Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa.

Next: Mets March On