New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespédes reportedly agreed to a restructured contract earlier this winter. Now, the details have come out on just how staggering of a pay cut he took to stay in New York.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Céspedes agreed to a new deal that pushed his salary next season from $29.5 million to $11 million. Furthermore, his contract’s total value will drop to $6 million if he lands on the injured list with a foot injury.
Céspedes was sidelined for a majority of the 2018 season after undergoing heel surgery in July, followed by a second procedure in October. The surgeries sidelined him for the start of the 2019 season, then he suffered a fractured ankle after a fall at his ranch in May and it cost him the entire season.
After missing nearly two seasons with major injuries to his feet, New York’s decision to tie incentives to Céspedes’ availability and specifically the health of his feet is understandable.
For the former All-Star outfielder to even receive $20 million next season, he’ll need to receive 650 plate appearances next season. Céspedes can potentially earn the entirety of the original $29.5 million salary back next year. However, it’s difficult to see that happening since he’s uncertain to be available for the beginning of the year as he continues to recover from the fractured ankle.