Yoenis Cespedes, who would be a good fit for the Mets, is reportedly on the block.
Rumors are swirling that the Red Sox are considering trade options for 30-year-old Yoenis Cespedes. After firing agent Adam Katz to join the Jay-Z-led Roc Nation, Cespedes is reportedly looking for a contract at more years and money than the Red Sox are comfortable with.
Cespedes took Major League Baseball by storm after coming over from Cuba in 2012, posting a .861 OPS and hitting 23 home runs in 540 plate appearances for the Athletics. He was traded to the Red Sox midway through the 2014 season in exchange for Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes. So far in his major league career, Cespedes has accumulated 8.5 fWAR over three seasons on the strength of a solid .263/.316/.464 batting line, to go along with a slew of highlight-reel outfield assists.
Last offseason, Sandy Alderson brought in Chris Young and Curtis Granderson to fill the Mets' outfield woes, but to little success. The Young experiment ended with an August release, while Granderson, despite a few good stretches, was generally considered a disappointment considering his contract. So the Mets are, once again, left with a gaping hole in their outfield.
That's where Cespedes might come into play for the Mets. While his on-base skill left a lot to be desired, especially by Alderson's standards, explosive power from the right side, and the ability to play outfield are arguably two of the Mets' biggest needs coming into the offseason. Acquiring Cespedes can meet both. If Matt Harvey and David Wright return to their 2013 form, or something close to it, the Mets' window to contend could start as soon as next season. In this scenario, having Cespedes in the middle of the batting order may be enticing enough for Alderson to pull the trigger, even if he ends up being only a one-year rental.