The 2020 season didn’t go like Yoenis Cespedes or the New York Mets had planned regarding to controversial slugger. After not playing since 2018 because of multiple heel surgeries and a freak ankle surgery, he returned last campaign.
After a few games and 34 plate appearances (.161/.235/.387 line with a couple of home runs and four RBI) he decided to opt out of the season citing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mets have managed to significantly reduce his salary because the accident that resulted in his broken ankle occurred in his farm.
Now, the former Mets’ slugger is free to sign with any team he wants, but his market hasn’t been particularly active given that he hasn’t played much in the last two years and he is now 35 years old, not to mention that he is virtually a DH at this point given his multiple lower-body surgeries and the National League, as of now, won’t be fielding a DH spot this year.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the mercurial slugger “intends to play in 2021” and will hold a showcase for interested teams on March 2.
The former Mets’ outfielder will try to impress
He will likely try to prove that not only he can still be a difference-maker in the batter’s box, but that he is also in good overall shape.
Per Rosenthal, the showcase will take place in Fort Pierce, Florida.
By now, it’s not easy to envision Cespedes receiving a major-league deal somewhere unless he impresses in his workout.
It’s not clear if the Mets and Yankees will be interested in Cespedes. It is believed that he didn’t go out in the best terms last year, but it’s important to note that the Wilpons are no longer in charge.
For his career, Cespedes has a .273/.327/.497 line with a 124 wRC+ in 834 games, hitting 165 home runs in the process.