The New York Mets season ended with a disappointing National League Wild Card loss to Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants.
But the Mets have bigger things to worry about at the moment.
Cuban slugger Yoenis Céspedes’ future with the franchise remains in question. Céspedes has two years remaining on his contract with the Mets, but that does no guarantee he will stay. The final two years of Céspedes’ contract are player options, meaning he has the choice to opt in or opt out if he (and his agent) so chooses to.
If Céspedes does in fact choose to opt back in with the Mets, he will make a guaranteed $23.75 million. The 30-year-old Cuban outfielder has the same provision regarding 2018 as well. It should also be noted that Céspedes could opt out of the current contract, and then turn right around and sign a long-term deal with the Mets for more money. That of course depends on how much the Mets are willing to spend.
According to recent reports, Céspedes told some people in the organization he won’t be back.
Céspedes had a team-leading 31 home runs and 80 runs batted in this season. His batting average dropped dramatically at the end of the season to .280, but the Mets may not be able to survive without Céspedes. The Mets offense, which already isn’t very impressive, would be hurting dearly if Céspedes does decide to take his talents elsewhere.
It may seem like a no-brainer for the Mets to re-sign Céspedes at whatever the cost, but they do have a very young pitching staff that needs attention. Starting pitchers Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Jacob deGrom all do not have new contracts. If the Mets lose their elite pitching core, they could lose their identity.
Céspedes has three days after the 2016 World Series to make a decision on his player option.
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