Yoenis Cespedes Traded to New York Mets

Detroit Tigers outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has been traded to the New York Mets, according to 670 The Score's Bruce Levine and confirmed by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

On July 30, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reported the Tigers reached out to the Mets about a possible Cespedes deal after the potential Carlos Gomez trade went south. He noted the Mets were concerned about trading for a "rental" player, although he pointed out, "who knows what can change before Friday."

There's risk for the Mets in taking on Cespedes, who will be due a massive free-agent payday this winter once his current deal is up. After six straight losing seasons, New York is in the hunt for the National League East crown, which could convince Cespedes to commit long-term.

Making a splash at the trade deadline seems like a good move on paper—one that could push the Mets over the top in their division. Cespedes has upside as a hitter and is also a tremendous outfielder, as ESPN Stats & Info highlighted:

The Mets are fortunate to be in contention because they own baseball's worst batting average and second-worst slugging percentage. Having an explosive bat like Cespedes' will be a big help, not to mention his fantastic defense.

The Mets have proved they're serious about contending through trades this July. Now it's just a matter of executing as they look to battle with the Nationals for NL East supremacy.