Now that he is running, batting and doing several baseball-related activities, the attention is now over Yoenis Cespedes. The New York Mets’ outfielder is recovering from multiple heel surgeries and ankle fractures.
He hasn’t played since 2018, yet he is highly motivated to make the Mets’ opening day roster. The team managed to restructure his deal and Cespedes went from making almost $30 million to just $6 million guaranteed. He can earn more through incentives, and playing from day 1 would take the guaranteed amount from $6 million to $11 million.
The Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen told reporters today that Cespedes will be ready to go for spring training from an “offensive standpoint.” It is not clear how much time he will need to be ready to defend the outfield adequately, without giving up any competitive advantages.
The GM said that Cespedes “continues to build his progression running, catching fly balls, etc.”
Cespedes, who is 34 years old, as involved in an incident with his boar at his ranch. That resulted in severe ankle injuries and the subsequent restructuring of his deal.
The Mets continue to explore trade possibilities
The team has also, reportedly, explored trade avenues for the Cuban slugger. The pay cut generated a buzz of interest around the league, but nothing has materialized so far. He remains a veteran, injury-prone player coming from multiple surgeries and teams won’t give up significant assets.
He may be an ideal fit for an American League team given that he could occupy the designated hitter spot. No deal seems imminent, though. He may very well start the season with the New York Mets.
Even if he is healthy to start the season, Cespedes will have a lot of competition for playing time. The Mets currently roster Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, JD Davis, Jake Marisnick and even Dominic Smith as outfielders.