New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has been crippled by injuries in recent memory and hasn’t appeared in a big-league game since July 2018.
Fellow outfielder Michael Conforto says Cespedes, who’s entering the final year of a four-year, $110 million contract, looks like a “monster” in summer camp (quotes by means of MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo).
“He looks like a monster,†Conforto said Saturday, a day after working out alongside Céspedes at Citi Field. “He looks like he’s motivated. He looks like he’s in shape. I’ve seen some of the stuff he was doing to get himself ready, some videos of him working out at his ranch. The guy is definitely hungry. He misses the game.â€
The Mets acquired Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers at the 2015 MLB trade deadline. Across his first season and a half in Queens (189 games), Cespedes totaled 48 home runs and 130 RBIs while mostly starting in left field. He has appeared in 119 games since 2017.
MLB has implemented a universal designated hitter for 2020, which has led to discussion over whether Cespedes could be the Mets’ everyday DH in the truncated 60-game season.
Conforto says Cespedes’ presence in the order will be “incredible” for the Mets.
“To get Yo in the lineup on an everyday basis, that’s going to be absolutely incredible for us,†Conforto said. “It’s something that we haven’t had, and we’re pretty excited about it.â€
Conforto raves about Yoenis Cespedes the teammate.
“I say this every time somebody asks me about him: He really is a great teammate,†Conforto said. “He brings energy to our drills, to the cage. He’s just a guy you miss having around, so I’m excited that he’s back and he’s feeling good. Hopefully, he can do what he does best for us and really bring the thunder with that bat and make some great plays in the outfield.â€
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets are expected to open the 2020 season at home against the Atlanta Braves on July 24.