The team announced the move four days after the sides agreed to terms, pending a physical.
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There is speculaton that Cespedes could return to the Mets for the 2016 season.
I’ll start with this: I did NOT expect the Mets to sign the heart and soul of their 2015 playoff run, Yoenis Cespedes. The Wilpons’ financial limitations have been a hugely frustrating circumstance for years, and especially so as this offseason progressed: Given the Mets’ recent accomplishments and the players available via free agency, it seemed like the obvious time for a significant investment in the major league roster, i.e., it was time to go for it. Instead, the front office proceeded with lesser and cost-conscious choices.
The New York Mets open up their 2016 season with a World Series rematch against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City. He had 17 home runs, 44 RBIs and a. 942 OPS in 57 games with the Mets, winning over fans and new teammates nearly immediately.
Still, just having that big bat in the lineup makes the Mets that much more risky of an offensive unit, which, along with their insane rotation and greatly improved bullpen, will make for a very fun team to watch.
When I took a look at Cespedes over at FanGraphs, Cespedes had some really good comps (Jim Rice, Brian Jordan, Sammy Sosa), and some really bad ones (Mike Devereaux, Derek Bell, Jose Guillen).
More importantly than that, the return of Cespedes to NY makes them the lead dog in the NL East. They were arguably the favorites before bringing him back, but had Cespedes gone to Washington, things would have been a lot more interesting. If he terminates the contract and becomes a free agent, the Mets would have the right to make a qualifying offer, which would entitle them to a high draft pick as compensation if he were to then sign with another team. Compared to the contracts signed by the other marquee free-agent hitters, NY appears to have landed themselves a bargain.
On top of that, Cespedes watched fellow top outfielders such as Jason Heyward and Justin Upton ink $100 million-plus contracts.
Meanwhile, the New York Mets, who came within three wins of their first world championship in 30 years, signed Yoenis Cespedes.
For 2015, Cespedes’ bat was incredible, with 35 home runs and a wRC+ of 135, fairly close to Matt Carpenter’s production despite a close to average. Since coming from Cuba in 2012, last season was the slugger’s first with over 30 home runs.
Along with his hitting, he won an AL Gold Glove for his four months in the Detroit outfield a year ago. With the signing, you’ll figure to see him playing center field the majority of the season, with Michael Conforto in left and Curtis Granderson in right. His speed, power and strong arm improves the Mets’ chances of reclaiming the National League pennant.
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The one-time All-Star, with the Oakland A’s in 2014 before being traded to the Boston Red Sox, had his best statistical season in 2015.
