New York Mets: Yoenis Cespedes Future and the 2019 Outfield
What can the New York Mets expect from their slugging outfielder, Yoenis Cespedes, especially as he does not have a clear timeline for a potential return.
The New York Mets are expecting to be competitive in 2019, but they will have to do so without receiving a major contribution from their slugging outfielder, Yoenis Cespedes. The righty is expected to miss a large chunk of the upcoming season while recovering from surgery to remove bone calcification from both of his heels.
The injury-prone star was limited to just 38 games last season and 81 games in 2017. What can the New York Mets expect from Cespedes in 2019?
During a recent interview on MLB Network Radio, special assistant to Brodie Van Wagenen, Omar Minaya, discussed the club’s expectations for Cespedes.
“Right now, there’s not a specific timetable to date,” Minaya said “But he had those two operations. Usually, we don’t like getting into specific timetables. We just want to get him back, and if he comes back, anything — if he gives us anything this year, that is gravy. We’re happy for that.”
Minaya’s message isn’t too optimistic, but it could signal that the New York Mets are not done upgrading their roster. Cespedes’ surgery should benefit the team over the long run, as it should help the slugger avoid nagging leg injuries, but it seems that the Amazins’ are preparing for life without their slugger for the 2019 season.
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Brodie Van Wagenen addressed Cespedes’ expectations in comments made to WFAN early last month.
“The way we view him is the ultimate trade deadline piece,” Van Wagenen declared.
From these comments, the Mets seem like they are viewing any possible production from Cespedes as an added bonus. If this is the case, this could hint that the team is looking for one last offensive addition. Their current team leaves us wondering, Is Juan Lagares good enough to be their everyday center fielder?
In December, the Mets added depth by signing Gregor Blanco and Rajai Davis to minor league deals and they have been connected to rumors surrounding Nicholas Castellanos and A.J. Pollock. Pollock seems like the logical upgrade, but his price is currently too steep for the Mets.
Andy Martino also recently linked the Mets to former Astros’ utilityman, Marwin Gonzalez, who could be another interesting possibility. Even though the Mets seem to be in search of a true center fielder, Gonzalez could give Mickey Callaway another versatile player to move around the diamond.
From an offensive point of view, Van Wagenen needs one last piece to top off a successful offseason. If the New York Mets can be competitive without Cespedes, imagine the boost that he will provide upon his return.
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Cespedes has shown that he can be a difference maker for the Amazins’, we will just have to wait before seeing him take the field for the New York Mets in 2019.