In a massive coup for the Wilpons, Cespedes turned down multiple higher paying offers from several teams to remain with the Mets in three-year, $75 million deal. His power was on full display with NY, for whom he hit 17 home runs in 57 games, including nine in a 13-game stretch to start the month of September, reviving an offense that had ranked last in the majors in most categories upon his arrival in late July.
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The Mets were considered long shots to sign Cespedes since they were never willing to do a long-term deal that he entered free agency seeking, but Cespedes made a concession in years to land a deal that will pay him the most per year of any deal signed by a free agent position player this winter.
Cespedes appears to have finally found a home in the Big Apple-and the Mets have to be thrilled about his progress since joining the fold.
Cespedes did close the season with a cold streak. Since coming from Cuba in 2012, last season was his first with over 30 home runs. That included 2 homeruns and 8 RBIs in the postseason.
In recent weeks, Cespedes had been linked to teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The left fielder played a key role for the Mets in their trip to the 2015 World Series. He finished the year at career-high 6.7 fWAR. He was reportedly after a six-year contract. The Mets were patient throughout the process and waited until Cespedes came to them, and landed him on terms they were amenable to. From Aug. 1 until the end of the season, they ranked first in the NL and second in the majors at.794.
One oddity from his time in Queens: He did nearly all of his damage on the road. Cespedes’ power flourishes in Flushing, the home of Citi Field.
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Cespedes is the fifth player that the Mets have signed to a contract of more than $50 million.
