According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, there is a “growing sense” that free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will land a five-year contract. Earlier this month, Cespedes opted out with two years and $47.5 million remaining on his contract with the Mets in order to become a free agent.
Cespedes finished the 2016 regular season with a .280/.354/.530 triple-slash line with 31 home runs and 86 RBI in 543 plate appearances. The Giants, Dodgers, Nationals, Yankees, and Mets have all had reported interest in the two-time All-Star.
Matthew Pouliot ranked Cespedes as the best of 111 free agents available this offseason.
As presently constructed, the Mets’ outfield would feature Jay Bruce in right field, Curtis Granderson in center, and Michael Conforto in left field. The Mets are taking offers for Bruce and might pursue other free agent outfielders (such as Jose Bautista) if they get a sense that Cespedes moves out of their price range.
