The New York Mets waited patiently in the bidding frenzy for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, letting the market play out in hopes Cespedes would come back and consider a short-term contract. Now their patience has paid off, with the 30-year-old outfielder agreeing to re-sign with the Mets.
New York acquired Cespedes at the July 31 MLB trade deadline last season, sending prospects Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa, with the hopes that the slugger would help uplift their lineup and help become a playoff contender. Even the wildest of the Mets' expectations for Cespedes were surpassed as he hit .287 with 17 home runs and 44 RBI's in 54 games.
Cespedes was reportedly seeking a long-term deal, but his new contract with the Mets will contain an opt-out clause after the first year, allowing him to cash in very soon. Cespedes was pursued heavily by the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles, but ultimately felt most comfortable staying in New York.
With his return to New York, Cespedes should remain an excellent fantasy outfielder who can provide 25-30 home runs. He certainly won't repeat the absurd 1/13.5 HR/AB ratio Cespedes had in the second half with New York, but his numbers should still make him an All Star-caliber outfielder.