Yoenis Cespedes has been the most talked about man in the MLB ever since late July. The 29-year-old is experiencing an unprecedented run with the New York Mets, and while it good for the team now, it may not be good for them once the offseason hits.
Various rumors have been focusing on Cespedes' future with the Mets because the two sides have expressed mutual interest in continuing this relationship beyond 2015. Cespedes even agreed to remove a clause in his contract that would have forced the Mets to re-sign him to a new deal within five days after the World Series.
However, Cespedes' value has skyrocketed during his short stint in New York and he'll be in high demand this offseason. Additionally, it was reported yesterday that the Cuban slugger would be seeking a contract of at least six years once he hits the open market.
"My only hope is to stay healthy," Cespedes said in a translated version of the interview, via Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork. "I'm not thinking about a contract, but I do know that I will be looking for a contract that is six years or more, has to be six years or more. We'll see what happens."
At first it was believed Cespedes was in line for a contract worth between $120-$130 million, but his .289/.338/.647 stat line with 36 runs scored, 17 home runs and 42 RBIs in 44 games with the Mets has completely altered his status among the rest of the free agent class. He's now regarded as one of the best outfielders in the MLB.
"He's impressing so much that some are trumpeting for MVP off seven spectacular weeks. He isn't the MVP. But he may have made himself an extra $75 million or so," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. "He was viewed as fourth among the excellent crop of outfielders about to hit the market (behind Justin Upton, Jason Heyward and Alex Gordon, who's expected to decline his player option), but he's very likely separated himself from the others. 'Well, he's better than them,' one NL GM said."
His potential contract could now be worth between $175-$200 million.
This isn't particularly good news for the Mets, who have been hesitant to dish out long-term lucrative contracts ever since signing John Santana and Carlos Beltran. With other big market threats out there such as the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs, Cespedes may have another new team in 2016.