I wasn't banking on this for Cespedes. It wasn't looking like the Mets had enough room to take him back. And yet, over the last few days the Mets crafted a deal, with an opt-out, that was a ton more savory than going to Baltimore or Washington. So, for once, we have some Cespedes soldarity for a season or two. Something we haven't really had since 2013 or so.
The biggest part of this deal is that it secures the Mets' status as a big figure in the NL. With 2/3rds of the division throwing in the towl, and the other 2/3rds slowly rebuilding, it's looking pretty good for the Mets in 2016, yet the little moves they've made, nabbing Neil Walker and Alejandro de Aza and shoring up Cespedes, have been the real difference maker. This is a team who has nothing to lose, and here they are making their already-strong team even stronger. It's fascinating, actually.
The best part is that Cespedes is coming off the best season of his career, and is entering into a system he's used to, and he's thrived in before. This guy is definitely for real, and could be even huger given an entire season in Queens, rather than just 3 months.
Very big stuff here for the Mets. Let's see if it pays off.
I didn't think there was much chance at all that Cespedes was coming back, and that his "I want to play here" was just lip service. Surprise, surprise!
ReplyDeleteI think the biggest thing about this transaction is good will it generates for the fans. It's good to know that the Mets are willing to spend some money.