New York Mets: High Expectation from Yoenis Cespedes

Mar 27, 2017; Jupiter, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores (left) reacts while standing on second base as teammates Mets shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (left to right) Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes, Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson, and New York Mets right fielder Jay Bruce, all run off the field during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Many questions are surrounding New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. It has been almost two years since he last played, and the Mets have turned him into a forgotten man. Mets managerial candidate and ESPN analyst Eduardo Perez spoke to Cespedes about what he expects for the 2020 season, and it was safe to say he projected a high ceiling for himself.

52 home runs? That quiet a feat which would be more than three-quarters of the amount he has hit during his entire Mets career. The focus should be getting through 52 games before he sets his sight on any statistical achievements. It has been apparent the talent was always there, but he has not been able to stay healthy.

It Won’t Be Easy

The reality is, Cespedes is going into his age-34, coming of going almost two full seasons without playing and sits behind J.D. Davis, Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, and Jeff McNeil on the corner outfield depth chart. Some of those names may occupy center field or third base, which could open up a better opportunity for consistent playing time.

Cespedes will come into Spring Training with as much to prove as a non-roster invitee. The Mets certainly would welcome a fully healthy Cespedes who is performing at his 2015 version of himself. It will be a long process for Cespedes to return to form, but he has always been a player with incredible natural ability. In a contract year, we should expect to see an excellent of Cespedes, if his health complies.