The New York Mets didn’t know what to expect from Yoenis Cespedes back in February, when the original spring training started. He was coming off multiple heel and ankle surgeries and while he was doing some baseball activities, he wasn’t particularly close to playing in a game back then.
Now, fast forward several months, we are about to enter July and the season will start either on July 23 or the very next day. A little over four months have passed since pitchers and catchers first reported to the Mets, and Cespedes is now in line to reclaim his spot on the team lineup.
In what capacity? Everything is pointing towards Cespedes being the primary designated hitter. The DH rule will be implemented in both leagues this year, and that way, the New York Mets can have Cespedes’ potent bat and save his legs from some wear and tear.
The Mets hope his bat, at least, can excel
Of course, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen knows that Cespedes hasn’t played in nearly two years, so he will be cautious about what to expect.
“We’ll have to evaluate how the next few days go, but we’re optimistic,†Van Wagenen said in his first extensive public comments since March, according to MLB.com. “His bat can be a real impact, and can be a little bit of a separator for us as we compare ourselves to the rest of the teams in the league.â€
Cespedes has hit an impressive 282/.346/.543 since landing on the Mets back in 2015. His bat can be a difference-maker in a tough NL East.
In March, he was taking batting practice and participating in defensive drills. He wasn’t running at full speed, and while Van Wagenen didn’t exactly provide a full health report on him nowadays, he projected optimism.
“Ces is an incredible athlete,†Van Wagenen said. “When he’s 100 percent healthy, he’s got a dynamic skillset with all five tools. We’ll want to make sure we put him in a position to be able to utilize those tools that he has.â€