Yoenis Cespedes helped the New York Mets reach their first World Series since 2000. However, after only a couple of months with the team, the latest rumors suggest he will be in another MLB uniform come 2016.
"The Mets are expected to modestly pursue Yoenis Cespedes as a free agent, but a team official told ESPN.com it is highly likely he signs elsewhere," writes Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
Cespedes batted .287/.337/.604 with 39 runs scored, 17 home runs and 44 RBI in 57 games with the Mets, but his postseason numbers weren't nearly as impressive. Nonetheless, that 57-game surge earned him a lot more money in free agency and all but officially put him out of New York's price range.
The 30-year-old batted just .222 in 14 postseason games with the Mets and recorded seven runs scored, two home runs and seven RBI over that span. He hit .150 in the World Series and logged just three hits and one RBI in five games against the Kansas City Royals.
Cespedes spoke to ESPN's Marley Rivera earlier in the season and said he'd be seeking a six-year contract and various rumors have indicated he could earn anywhere between $100 million and $175 million. The Mets are likely unwilling to spend that kind of money, especially after his poor postseason in all facets of the game.
The Mets and Cespedes agreed to remove a clause in the outfielder's contract that would have forced the team to release him five days after the World Series, which would prevent them from being able to re-sign him until May. The two have expressed mutual interest in a reunion, but the market value for Cespedes is expected to go well beyond what the team is willing to pay.
Other rumors have linked the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs and others to Cespedes, which puts the Mets in a tough spot in terms of negotiating a contract of their liking.
The offseason begins today. It's possible Cespedes has a new home as early as Saturday.
