The New York Mets and Yoenis Cespedes are reportedly discussing a three-year deal to keep the outfielder in the Big Apple. However, Buster Olney of ESPN suggests it could be a glorified one-year deal with an opt-out clause after the first year.
Sources: Mets, Cespedes discussing an opt-out clause after the 1st year of a three-year deal. Would allow him to test market again Fall '16.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 22, 2016
This is an interesting turn of events for a player many thought would be in line to make a pretty penny on the open market this winter.
He has been linked to the Baltimore Orioles recently as well as the Chicago White Sox, but both teams were reportedly also looking at a short-term deal with Cespedes. Perhaps this is why Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported Cespedes now wants to stay with the Mets.
The 2015 season was a career year for Cespedes, who batted .291 while hitting 35 home runs with 105 RBI. However, aside from his rookie campaign the outfielder’s best average came in 2014 when he hit .269, and until last year he was a guy who could be counted on for 22-26 home runs per year, with 100 RBI being his ceiling.
Perhaps this is why teams aren’t so eager to shell out big-time cash for a guy who has already cruised past the 30-year mark.
By including an opt-out clause, the contract would protect both sides from any potential mistake. If Cespedes has another stellar campaign to match his 2015 totals, then he will likely be able to cash in after 2016 like it was thought he could this winter. If he doesn’t, then the Mets can keep him for two more years at a rate that likely won’t break the bank.