New York Mets: Yoenis Cespedes’ busy camp continues as he takes grounders at first base

New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who is entering the final year of his multi-year pact, has had quite an eventful year. Amid rumors that the team would look to cancel his deal after he broke his ankle in a ranch accident, the Mets managed to restructure it to significantly lower his base salary and make him earn his payday on the field.

That, and the fact that Cespedes was also coming from multiple heel surgeries in the last couple of years, has contributed to him not playing in MLB games since July 2018. After overcoming hurdles little by little, he is now the New York Mets’ top choice for designated hitter duties, and a couple of games in the outfield here or there eventually.

However, according to SNY.tv, he was seen getting grounds on first base during Wednesday morning’s practice at Citi Field, and also receiving throws from the shortstop in the first sack. So the question is raised: is Yoenis Cespedes preparing for playing time at that position this season?

Are the Mets really considering the idea?

According to Mets manager Luis Rojas, starting first baseman Pete Alonso gave Cespedes the glove he was using. Is it possible that the club considers the hitting star to back up Alonso during the season?

“He’s got this glove that Pete Alonso gave him so he’s hanging out with it and he’s taking his ground balls,” Rojas said during a Zoom interview on Wednesday. “He wants to be involved. He was done with his throwing in the outfield.

“This is a guy who wants to be on the field and do different things. He wants to show you that he’s really good everywhere.”

Cespedes’ injury story has led some in the industry to suggest he may fit in first base in the future. The body endures significantly less running, wear and tear. And the Mets’ skipper has said that the thought has been discussed, but for now, he seems locked and loaded as the club’s top DH option.

“I think he’s played every position in the books. We’ve definitely had conversations about it but nothing serious yet that there’s going to be versatility as far as him that we’ve talked [about] yet.”