Cuban-born Yoenis Céspedes has come to terms with the New York Mets, a big sigh of relief for the ball club which had earlier felt that the outfielder was close to gone.
Céspedes was looking for a long-term deal but eventually settled for a three-year deal reportedly worth around $75 million. The deal also includes an opt-out clause for 2016.
The Mets were sitting on pins and needles, especially when the Washington Nationals came in and tried to satisfy what Céspedes was looking for. The Nationals dangled a five-year $110 million deal, but it turns out that the deal included significant deferrals (spread over 15 years) which eventually returned a present day value of $77 million.
Doing the math and likely discussing their options, Céspedes and his group settled to remain with the Mets, a move that the Cuban seems to be pretty happy with.
He was a big contributor to the success of the Mets last season and now lengthens the lineup of manager Terry Collins.
Céspedes is well-decorated and has done a lot to boost his stock. That includes being an All-Star in 2014 and a 2015 American League Gold Glove winner. He has led the Majors with 28 outfield assists which will likely grow with his return to the Mets' fold.
His return also improves the chances of the Mets to defend their National League East title. But more transactions could be on the horizon to help the Mets achieve that.
With the team payroll now pegged at $140 million, the highest in five years, the Mets may have to seek players who would agree to a minor league contract figure. As of this writing, no new names have been mentioned by the Mets.
Other players who have already been signed up include Bartolo Colon and Jerry Blevins. Aside from them, the Mets had already added free agents like Antonio Bastardo, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Neil Walker.
