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Yoenis Cespedes expects to be healthy for Opening Day

By David Hill

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Yoenis Cespedes #52 of the New York Mets hitting batting practice during the team workout at Clover Park on February 20, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Yoenis Cespedes #52 of the New York Mets hitting batting practice during the team workout at Clover Park on February 20, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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The New York Mets may have an unexpected boost to their lineup when the season begins, as Yoenis Cespedes feels he should be ready for Opening Day.

To say that the New York Mets have gotten virtually nothing out of Yoenis Cespedes since he signed his extension would be an understatement. Since 2017, when his $80 million extension kicked in, Cespedes has played just 119 games due to a myriad of injuries.

But 2020 is a new year. With all the time off due to the pandemic, Cespedes is healthy once again, and feels that he will be ready to go by Opening Day.

When Cespedes was able to suit up for the Mets, he still showed that he was a game changer with the bat. In his 478 plate appearances since 2017, he has produced a .282/.343/.525 batting line, hitting 26 homers and 23 doubles. That production could make a major difference for the Mets.

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With the universal designated hitter for 2020, Cespedes has the perfect opening. He would be able to contribute with the bat without having to worry about playing the field, or potentially causing injury. And, with just 60 games for the season, it would be a perfect chance to see what he has left.

That is the big question. He has not played since July 20, 2018, which was his only game since May 13 of the same year. By the time Opening Day rolls around, he will have been sidelined for over two years, with just that one game and the Met’s summer camp as his return to the diamond. Can the Mets afford to wait for Cespedes to shake off the rust?

At present, he is likely to be part of a time share between left and DH, splitting time with J.D. Davis and Domonic Smith. However, as the season progresses, playing time will sort itself out, with the Mets riding the hot bats in their quest to reach the postseason. If Cespedes can hit the way he had in 2017 and 2018, he could play his way into a prominent role with the team.

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Yoenis Cespedes claims that he will be ready to go by Opening Day. His presence would be a boost for an already solid New York Mets lineup.

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