New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will likely opt out of his current contract and become a free agent following the World Series. However, reports are that both sides are interested in the slugger returning to the Mets.
Cespedes has a pair of years remaining on his contract of 3 years for $47.5 million but he is able to opt out during the first five days following this year’s World Series. At that time, he would be free to sign again with New York or any other MLB team.
Reports from reliable sources said Cespedes had spoken with the organization and said he loves playing in New York and will be back, but that he also has said good-bye to a few people and said he might not return.
He helped lead the Mets to two straight playoff appearances for just the second time in the history of the franchise.
If the Cuban slugger does opt out, he will be offered a number of four-year deals with all being near $100 million. He may even receive a five-year deal for $125 million from an American League team that knows he could play in the field or be a designated hitter.
Rumors are that the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals will show strong interest amongst a spattering of other clubs.
With the strong pitching staff the Mets have of Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler, it behooves them to hold onto the best power hitter in the lineup and build around him.
Without Cespedes in the lineup, the Mets will not get the offensive production needed to help them return to the World Series next season.
If they can re-sign him, they will be far better off and likely able to attract other hitters to their lineup.
The Mets and the slugger have another month to make their respective decisions on what to do, as the playoffs have just started, and will run through the end of the month of October.
