As we sit just over a month to the start of Spring Training,
one of the top available free agents remains unsigned. Former New York Mets outfielder Yoenis
Cespedes is seeking a long-term deal in the six-year range, exceeding 20
million dollars per year. Although he
has yet to sign a contract, the market seems to be intensifying for Cespedes,
as he could sign with a team in the next few days.
Since being dealt to the Mets, Cespedes appeared in 57 games,
and was a huge reason as to why the Mets won the NL East, and appeared in the
World Series. Cespedes hit 17 homeruns
and added 44 RBIs while accumulating a .287 average. Defensively, Cespedes has good range and one
of the leagues strongest arms. He will
be a significant asset for whomever can sign him.
Although it remains unlikely that the Mets will land
Cespedes, there is still a small chance they can ink him on a short-term
deal. If Cespedes is not satisfied with
any of the offers he receives, he could turn to the Mets and look for a
one-year deal. The 2016-17 free agent
pool of outfielders is very weak, so Cespedes may consider signing a one-year
deal, and re-enter the free agent market next offseason.
There appears to be at least half a dozen teams in the
market for Cespedes, most notably the Chicago White Sox and Detroit
Tigers. Both teams have major needs
within their outfields and would be willing to offer Cespedes the money in
which he desires.
It remains highly unlikely that the Mets will be able to
bring Cespedes back for another year, but the longer he remains unsigned can
only be a good sign for Mets fans.
I have a feeling that we will know before Wednesday, but you just never know. It Depends on what his agent is working on. I think there's a strong possibility that a surprise team "comes out of the woodwork" and signs him to a 6/$125 million deal, with an Opt-Out after 2 years. They will probably regret that last 2 years.....but they'll do it anyway.
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