New York Mets: Yoenis Cespedes starting to work his way back

It is still too early to say that he will be a part of the New York Mets plans for 2020, but slugger Yoenis Cespedes is starting baseball activities.

It was an ongoing joke for the New York Mets in 2019 – that Yoenis Cespedes would be back at some point during the season. After having surgery on both of his heels in 2018, it appeared that he was on track to return…only to injure his ankle by stepping in a hole at his ranch.

Naturally, given the ongoing saga of whether or not Cespedes would return last year, little is expected of the Cuban slugger this season. However, he may be closing in on a return, as Mets instructor Endy Chavez posted footage of Cespedes taking batting practice before pulling the video from his Instagram account.

As it stands, the Mets are thought to be looking for some help in the outfield, particularly in center. Brandon Nimmo could play there, but has been needed in a corner outfield spot due to Cespedes’ lack of availability. If Cespedes can return, it would change the complexion of the Mets offseason.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

If he is healthy, Cespedes has been a solid bat. While his four year extension has been a disaster due to injury, he has performed when in the lineup. In his 119 games since the start of 2017, he has posted a .282/.343/525 batting line, hitting 23 doubles and 26 homers.

The Mets could certainly use that production. While the offense had a good deal of thunder due to Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso, they were essentially a middle of the pack lineup. New York finished seventh in the NL with 791 runs scored and sixth with a .770 OPS. Cespedes could be the difference to push the lineup to that next level.

A healthy Cespedes would allow the Mets to focus on other areas of need. They certainly need to upgrade the bullpen, and could use another arm in the rotation following the expected departure of Zack Wheeler. If Cespedes can show that he is healthy, even if it is simply taking batting practice with an instructor, that can make a tremendous difference in the offseason.

The New York Mets are not expecting much from Yoenis Cespedes next year. However, if he is healthy, Cespedes can make a major impact on the roster.