New York Mets: Free Agent Fits for Yoenis Cespedes
By Jason Evans
New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes exercised his opt-out clause. Where could he end up?
The world’s worst kept secret outside of the presidential election became official yesterday when New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes officially opted out of his contract and became a free agent.
Cespedes was free agent last year, but signed a three year deal with the Mets last off-season with the opt-out for him to enter back into the market.
He was named to his second All-Star team in 2016. In 132 games, Cespedes hit .280 with an .884 OPS. He added 31 homers and 86 RBI. He is a true impact bat, someone who is capable of carrying a team for a couple of weeks at a time, as he did with the Mets on their way to the 2015 pennant.
This time around in the free agent market, Cespedes shouldn’t have to settle for the kind of deal he got last season, even if the Mets give him a qualifying offer and the Mets get a draft pick if they lose him.
The Mets should face some stiff competition for Cespedes’ services next year. The division rival Nationals offered him a five year deal with a deferment. Any of these teams could go after him as well.
Jose Bautista and Mark Trumbo will be free agents as well, but Cespedes also provides value defensively, something those other two players do not.
So, come opening day 2017, where will Yoenis Cespedes be playing? Here are five possible landing spots for the slugger’s services.