Yoenis Cespedes Reportedly Re-Signs with Mets

Yoenis Cespedes cashed in after a huge 2016 season as a member of the New York Mets.

Continue for updates.

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Mets, Cespedes Agree to Deal

Tuesday, Nov. 29

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, Cespedes' deal with the Mets will be a four-year, $110 million agreement. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports confirmed the deal. Andy Martino of SNY reported Cespedes' contract includes a full no-trade clause.

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Yankees Won't Pursue Cespedes?

Wednesday, Nov. 23

The New York Daily News' Christian Red stated that fans should not "expect [Cespedes] to be one of the Yankees' targets, despite [Brian Cashman] saying last week that he's 'talked to Cespedes' agent [Brodie Van Wagenen]' and that the two sides would talk again." Red continued:

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The Daily News has learned that Cespedes — who earlier this month opted out of his three-year, $75 million deal with the Mets — is not part of the Yankees’ winter spending plans despite speculation that the Bombers could make a run for the 31-year-old outfielder. The main three priorities for the Yankees, according to sources, are bringing back Cuban lefty reliever Aroldis Chapman, acquiring a starting pitcher and signing a designated hitter. Cespedes is reportedly looking for a five-year deal in the $125-135 million range.

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4 Teams Reportedly Pursuing Cespedes

Wednesday, Nov. 16

The market for Cespedes is four teams, including the Mets, per Mike Puma of the New York Post.

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Latest on Cespedes' Qualifying Offer

Monday, Nov. 14

The New York Post's Joel Sherman reported that Cespedes will reject his qualifying offer Monday.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson confirmed on Nov. 10 that he met with Cespedes' agent and believes a resolution this month is possible, per James Wagner of the New York Times.

Per Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com, Alderson would like to have a Cespedes deal done by January.

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Giants Could Enter Cespedes Mix

Wednesday, Nov. 9

Per Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the San Francisco Giants are seen as "one of the more likely pursuers" of Cespedes during the offseason.

Heyman did note that the Giants are also considering using prospects Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker in the outfield next year, with general manager Bobby Evans saying that the team likes both players.

The Giants need to find an impact hitter for their lineup. They finished 19th in runs scored and 28th in home runs. Seven players hit at least 10 homers for the team last season, but Brandon Belt led the way with 17.

Left field is open in San Francisco with Angel Pagan entering free agency. Cespedes is coming off a terrific offensive season. The 31-year-old hit .280/.354/.530 with 31 homers in 132 games. His 51 walks and walk percentage of 9.4 marked career highs, per FanGraphs.

The Giants finished the season in dreadful fashion. They went 30-42 in the second half after having an MLB-best 57-33 record before the All-Star break.

However, they aren't far from returning to their first-half form with a few tweaks. Their starting rotation is still strong with Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Matt Moore. Belt and Buster Posey are terrific hitters, and a full healthy season from Hunter Pence will help.

Finding a bat for the middle of the order and an arm or two in the bullpen will make the Giants the team to beat in the National League West.

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Cespedes Worth High Price 

Cespedes didn't come cheap, but he is worth the steep price the Mets had to pay, as there were a lot of teams out there in need of a middle-of-the-order bat who hits for average and power. His ability to play multiple positions in the outfield will only add to his value on the open market. 

He proved in 2015 and 2016 the difference he can make after leading the Mets to consecutive playoff appearances, including a World Series berth in 2015. This is not a deep free-agent class, so when there is a legitimate star like Cespedes to be had, it's worth the risk.