Matt Ehalt of The Record recently asked Cespedes – who was speaking through an interpreter – if he intends to honor all three years of his current contract in NY.
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Of course, a simple and declarative “yes” during a back-and-forth with the media in late August doesn’t bind Cespedes to anything when late October rolls around and millions of free-agent dollars await on the hot stove.
In a year of underwhelming returns for the Mets, Cespedes has been one of the few bright spots.
Although Cespedes has reiterated that he plans to play out the $75 million, three-year contract ever since he signed it to stay in NY in January, industry sources were doubtful Wednesday that Cespedes would forgo the chance at a long-term mega-deal. The total deal is worth $75 million, but Cespedes has the ability to opt out of the final two years and $47.5 million after this season.
At the time, Cespedes’ agents also said they didn’t view his return to NY as a short-term thing. Cespedes has not made a decision yet on whether or not he will exercise his opt out, which would allow him to enter free agency anyway. The Mets still expect Cespedes to opt out, and if he does they will have to deal with the situation at that point.
Cespedes landed in NY via trade, but seemingly prioritized a return when he hit the open market last winter.
Prior to the injury, the 36-year-old Hill compiled a 2.25 ERA with a 90/28 K/BB ratio in 76 innings spanning 14 starts. Ideally the Mets would keep both Cespedes and Neil Walker along with Bruce to form a dynamic middle of the lineup for next season, giving them a chance to make another pennant run with a healthier team in 2017.
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As we saw last season and as we’ve seen recently, Cespedes makes the Mets go and they can not afford to lose him.
