While the New York Mets are absolutely pleased with how Yoenis Cespedes has worked out for the team, one rival executive who has talked with Mets brass told Jon Heyman of CBS Sports that he would be “shocked” if the Mets retained him.
“Yoenis Cespedes carried the Mets through August, and Daniel Murphy is carrying them now, when it counts most, in October”, writes Heyman. “They are the Mets’ No. 3 and 4 hitters in their lineup, the key guys. But they both could easily be gone by next year.”
Cespedes could be in line for a five year deal worth between $100 and $150 million dollars, while Murphy is looking at a four year deal worth about $40 million according to Heyman’s projections which are backed up by MLB Trade Rumors.
Even though his stock is trending upwards, one rival GM said he still thinks the Mets will pass on extending Murphy the $15.8 million qualifying offer, and of course Cespedes is ineligible for a QO which means the Mets could lose both players with nothing to show for it. A complete net loss.
Heyman points out, the cost-conscious Mets, whose payroll is down to just over $100 million from $140 million only a few years ago, haven’t signed many big deals in recent years. So it’s not crazy to think the heart of the current Mets order could be ripped away.
One rival scout posed a fair question: “You lose your 3 and 4 hitters, what are you replacing them with?” “Murphy’s made himself millions,” said one scout, referring to his play this postseason.
For now, I’m too focused on the Mets making a run for the World Series to worry about signing Cespedes – and I’ve always regarded him as a two month rental anyway. Murphy is the more realistic option but given how the Mets kept scuttling any talk of an extension, I do believe we are seeing his last days as a Met. I hope I’m wrong though.
But again, we can talk about this in November, I wish Heyman didn’t have to bring this up now. Bad timing and bad form by him. Mets are two wins away from the World Series! That’s all I want to talk about right now. Mets Baby!
