Back in the 1998 offseason, neither the Mets nor Mike Piazza were messing around. Before the end of the World Series, which is the time players could file for free agency, the Mets made the 30 year old Piazza the highest paid player in the sport by giving him a seven year, $91 million contract. The rest, as you know, is history. Piazza would become a beloved Met as he slugged his way into the record books, into our hearts, and into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
This is the stage the Mets and Yoenis Cespedes are at right now.
Cespedes, who turns 31 today, has until three days following the end of the World Series to opt out of the remaining two years of his contract. Given the terrific yet injury plagued season Cespedes just had, he is widely expected to opt out and seek a much more lucrative deal in the free agent market.
Unlike last season where players like Justin Upton and Jason Heyward were on the open market, Cespedes stands alone as the top free agent target for any team that needs to add an outfielder with star quality and not on the wrong side of 32.
There have been conflicting reports about Cespedes’ desire to remain with the Mets. However, if the last year and a half have been any indication, Cespedes has enjoyed his time in Flushing, and he has blossomed in the limelight of New York.
Cespedes has worked extensively with hitting coach Kevin Long to improve his approach at the plate, getting on base more. and hitting for more power.
“We’re trying to close the gap for Yoenis, between great and dangerous, so that he’s both,” Long said last Spring. “What he’s capable of doing to pitches in the strike zone is downright lethal, but the idea is get him to swing at only strikes.”
The results have led to consecutive seasons of career-high power numbers. In addition to a clubhouse that idolizes him, Cespedes also has a fan base that adores him and plead for him to stay with the Mets.
The Mets have also greatly benefited from Cespedes’ duration in New York. Cespedes and Piazza are the only two superstars who have led the Mets to consecutive postseason appearances. The fans’ love of Cespedes helps increase the gate and merchandise sales. More importantly, Cespedes’ presence in the lineup and the Mets outfield give the team the best possible chance to win a World Series.
Given that, the time between the end of the Wild Card Game and the end of the World Series should be spent with the Mets and Cespedes’ agents, Roc Nation, trying to reach an agreement to keep Cespedes in New York where he belongs.
If a deal is not reached it means one of three things: (1) Cespedes wanted to hit the free agent market; (2) the Mets are not willing to pay what it takes to keep Cespedes; or (3) both sides failed to put forth their best efforts to get a deal done. If any of these are the case, it is a shame, and it could be a decision both sides will rue for years to come.
