New York Mets’ outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who is currently rehabbing from surgery on both of his heels and a fractured right ankle, is reportedly drawing trade interest.
According to Anthony DiComo, teams asked the Mets about Cespedes’ availability. The report comes in the heels of an agreement between the club and the 34-year-old on a contract amendment.
He was going to command a $29.5 million salary for the 2020 season, but after he fell into a hole at his ranch back in May, that will no longer be the case. Instead, the guaranteed amount of the deal will be less than $10 million. He can earn more in incentives and bonuses.
The Mets’ newest trade chip
The fact that he won’t command such a hefty salary makes him more attractive to potential suitors. However, Cespedes last played in 2018, and even then, he had an abbreviated season.
That year, he hit .262 with 20 runs scored, 9 home runs, 29 runs batted in, 3 steals, and a.821 OPS. For his career, Cespedes accumulates a .274/.328/.498 line with 163 home runs and 524 RBI. He has a career 124 wRC+ and 21.5 fWAR.
The Cuban slugger has been with the Mets since the 2015 season.
While it isn’t clear when he will be ready to return to the highest level, he is working for it. He is already taking batting practice and recently began a running program. He is also throwing, so step by step, he is getting closer.
However, the New York Mets’ general manager Brodie Van Wagenen doesn’t know if he’ll contribute in 2020. For now, it appears that other teams are kicking the tires to see what would it take to acquire Cespedes in a trade.
Cespedes’ trade value isn’t particularly high, but it appears he can fetch something for the Mets.
DiComo didn’t mention which teams are asking about Cespedes.