Arguably, the biggest x-factor for the New York Mets in 2020 is Yoenis Cespedes. As we have seen, when Cespedes is Cespedes, he is a Gold Glove caliber outfielder who can ignite the Mets offense. That was a key factor in the Mets making consecutive postseasons in 2015 and 2016.

However, Cespedes had a similar double heel surgery to the one which effectively ended Troy Tulowitzki‘s career. He then broke his ankle. Despite that, he reported early to Spring Training to put himself in position to make the Opening Day roster.

Right now, Mets manager Luis Rojas tells Justin Toscano of NJ.com that Cespedes is “basically going through the schedule at, let’s say, 75 percent, 85 percent of what everyone else is doing.”

Parenthetically, we should anticipate all updates on Cespedes coming from Rojas or teammates as the slugger has already stated his intentions to shun the media throughout the year.

This means he’s sprinting, but he’s not fully sprinting. He’s also not moving laterally yet. Still, he’s moving well so far, and ultimately, Rojas believes he will continue to progress.

While not fully running, Cespedes has been unleashing his cannon in the outfield, and he’s been taking batting practice. In terms of batting practice, Jacob deGrom struck him out with some nasty pitches.

When Cespedes jokingly told the reigning consecutive Cy Young winner to take it easy on him, deGrom responded, “You hit a ball out the other day and you hit another ball off the wall. I’m not letting you do that.”

Notably, Cespedes has not stood in a batter’s box since July 20, 2018 when he was 2-for-4 with a walk, homer, and an RBI. So far, he’s not showing any rust even with the Mets pitchers not taking it easy on him. In fact, Rojas said, “It’s good to see that he’s in good shape as far as seeing the ball out of the hand, being on time.”

Looking at everything right now, you’re not sure what Cespedes can do in 2020, but so far, things are trending in the right direction. Rojas seems encouraged by what he’s seen so far, and he’s excited for what Cespedes can do.

The manager’s main takeaway is, “We know he’s going to cause great impact in our team and our lineup. We’re really looking forward to that. I’m very excited.”

If Cespedes is able to contribute in 2020, there’s going to be reason for fans to be very excited about the Mets prospects.