New York Mets rumors: Cespedes’ new deal, All-Rumor team, and more

The year is almost over, yet the New York Mets continue to generate news and rumors around the web.

Here are the New York Mets’ news and rumors of the day:

MLB.com / @PSLToFlushing: The New York Mets released the details of the Yoenis Cespedes’ amended contract. The team reached an agreement with the outfielder following the accident at his ranch that resulted in a fractured ankle.

The restructured deal with the Mets will reduce Cespedes’ 2020 salary from $29.5 million to $11 million guaranteed. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reported the news.

Additionally, if the Cuban slugger hits the injured list with an ailment related to those that he’s currently recovering from, the team will pay him only $6 million and not $11 million. That would be ankle or heel injuries.

Incremental playing time bonuses can let him make another $9 million, in the event he reaches 650 plate appearances. If he hits all the incentives and additional things like MVP, Gold Glove, or Silver Slugger, he can earn another $4 million. He would pocked $2 million more if he is traded. Hitting every milestone would result in Cespedes earning a total of $26 million.

@ChrisMazza10: Right-handed pitcher Chris Mazza, who the Mets recently put on waivers, was claimed by the Boston Red Sox. He took to social media, specifically his Twitter account, to thank the New York Mets’ fans.

“I just wanna thank the Mets organization giving me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream and to all my teammates and Mets fans who supported me along the way,” he wrote.

The All-Rumor team

MLB.com: For the third year in a row, the MLB.com staff put together an All-Trade-Rumor Team, reviewing those players whose names continue to be discussed by the media and the fans in possible deals.

The Mets’ Dominic Smith, blocked in his natural position by Pete Alonso, appears on the list. MLB wrote that “the emergence of Alonso has rendered Smith as a man without a position despite a solid .282/.355/.525 slash line, 11 home runs and 25 RBIs in 177 at-bats last season. Smith started 27 games in the outfield for New York in 2019, but he profiles as a better first baseman, so the Mets could shop him to teams looking for help at that position.”

They identify the “buzz factor” as medium.