Yoenis Cespedes will be Mets' off-season priority
NEW YORK – The entry way to the staff parking lot at Citi Field was busy Thursday afternoon less than one day after the Mets were eliminated by the San Francisco Giants in the National League wild-card game at Citi Field.
Players and coaches alike were stopping by at different times, and Yoenis Cespedes arrived in the early afternoon in a tricked-out jeep before departing a few hours later.
A long off-season lies ahead for Cespedes and those in the organization after the abrupt exit, and the outfielder’s contract looms over the franchise as it readies for an important offseason.
Mets players were optimistic after Wednesday’s loss about the potential 2017 team, but the team faces tough calls highlighted by Cespedes possibly exercising the opt-out in his contract. Neil Walker also can become a free agent, and three pitchers will work their way back from season-ending surgeries.
“I would like to keep this team as in intact as possible, because I think we have a good thing going,” team captain David Wright said Wednesday night following the loss. “If we can stay healthy and do what we set out to do at the beginning of this year — with some of these additions, some of these young guys that have come up and made a name of themselves — I think we can do this next year.”
Cespedes’ pending free agency hovered over the Mets last winter and once again will leave the organization with a decision should he decided to opt out. The veteran has two years left on a deal worth $47.5 million, but may be able to haul in a potential $100-million contract this off-season.
The outfielder will be one of the best – if not the top – free agents, and should entertain betters offers than he did last off-season. The Mets did not want to extend beyond three years while negotiating with Cespedes last year, and ultimately landed him with a large annual average and a first-year opt-out.
He did not comment after the loss, although he has previously said he would like to stay.
Cespedes is not the only tough call for the Mets, as Walker is a pending free agent, and team decision makers will have to make a call on whether to offer him a qualifying offer or a potential multiyear deal.
The qualifying offer is projected to be around $17 million and would be a heavy investment for one season, but at least the team will be compensated with a draft pick if Walker turns down the offer. The Mets offered Daniel Murphy the qualifying offer last year — only for him to reject it — and they then acquired Walker.
Walker had one of the best years of his career before undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back. Walker provided a nice pairing with Asdrubal Cabrera up the middle, but is 31 and may be able to land deal similar to the three-year one Murphy received.
Among other position players, Jay Bruce and Jose Reyes are expected to have their team options picked up for next year.
The Mets are stocked with pitching, with Bartolo Colon the only eligible free agent among the starters and Jeurys Familia and Addison Reed set to return, but there are health concerns with four starters.
Matt Harvey, Steven Matz and Jacob deGrom each underwent season-ending surgery, and Zack Wheeler also missed the season due to setbacks in his return from Tommy John surgery. All are expected to be ready for spring training, but will have to work their way back into form.
The Mets will need their pitching staff to be stout if they lose Cespedes and Walker.
BRIEFS: Manager Terry Collins said he expects the coaching staff to remain intact. … Michael Conforto said it’s possible he could be asked to learn first base during camp. … Pending free agent Jerry Blevins would welcome a return. He has performed well as the team’s lefty specialist.
Ehalt writes for the Bergen County Record, part of the Paste BN Network
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