
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.
Yoenis Cespedes to @PerezEd: I could hit 52 home runs in 2020.@ynscspds | @Mets | #Mets | #LGM pic.twitter.com/MkDZ4WXw65
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 19, 2019
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.
One interesting effect of Yoenis Céspedes' contract restructuring: the Mets have had teams reach out the past week regarding his availability in trades, according to a source. Nothing close or imminent or even all that likely, but some initial conversations have taken place.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 19, 2019
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.