Yoenis Cespedes was the catalyst for the Mets’ surge to the postseason, and eventually the 2015 World Series, so why is the market for him in free agency ice cold?
Cespedes slashed .291/.328/.542 in 2015 with career-highs for home runs (35) and RBI (105). He was worth 6.7 WAR per Fangraphs, and added 10 runs of value with his outfield defense, where he toggled between left field and center field. And yet, he’s played for four teams since 2012.
Comparing The Giants' Revamped Rotation to The Mets
That’s because Cespedes is reportedly very difficult to deal with, and doesn’t show much care for his body when he’s not playing. The Red Sox acquired Cespedes in a deal in which they traded ace left-hander Jon Lester to Oakland, and then let him walk to the Tigers that offseason. Cespedes rubbed coaches the wrong way with his work ethic, according to Boston Globe writer Nick Cafardo.
“We had him in Boston. He was unwilling to play right field. He was unwilling to take balls off the wall to practice. But he can hit,” Cafardo said.
“He’s a good hitter, but he’s not a great hitter; he’s an outfielder who has a great arm but he’s not a great outfielder. So you’re looking toward his free agency years now, and I’m sure (he’s) going to demand a lot of money and he’s probably not going to be worth the money that some teams are going to pay him. He’s one of those players that is not as good as you think. But I will say this. He’s a streaky guy, so if he’s on a good streak, he’s going to help you.”
Orioles Sign Korean OF, Done Chasing Chris Davis
He certainly helped the Mets, but the other side of Cespedes showed up in the first inning of the World Series, when he misplayed a fly ball off the bat of Alcides Escobar in Game 1 and allowed him to race home on an inside-the-park home run.
He also reportedly chain smokes during games.
Cespedes is a throwback: He was smoking like a chimney - one cigarette after another - in the runway before batting practice.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) August 18, 2015
That doesn’t bode well for a player who, at 30 years old, is seeking a six-to-seven year contract worth well more than $100 million.
Currently there is interest from several teams, with the Orioles and White Sox reportedly at the forefront. But it’s telling that none of his previous clubs – the A’s, Red Sox, Tigers or Mets – are seriously considering him, and the Mets were only willing to go to three years. Five teams in as many pro seasons is a big red flag.
Yoenis Cespedes market taking shape. Source: CWS & BAL emerging as leaders for now. LAA & SFG also in the mix with TX monitoring situation.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) December 29, 2015
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
