Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network is reporting Yoenis Cespedes is torn between going to the Nats or the Mets.
Yesterday, it seemed like the Washington Nationals were all set to acquire free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. However, that does not appear to be the case. Last night, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network reported that Cespedes is torn between taking the reported five-year offer from the Nats or going back to the Mets, the team who acquired him at last year’s trade deadline from the Tigers. Here’s the latest from Rosenthal:
"“The possibility existed — and still exists — that other teams are still involved. But Cespedes also could be wrestling with a more fundamental choice. According to two sources with knowledge of his thinking, he prefers to stay with the Mets.”"
More from District on Deck
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Minor League Spotlight: Robert Hassell III
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
One of the reasons that Rosenthal gives for Cespedes wanting to stay in New York, although they haven’t given him an actual offer yet, is that he “enjoyed his brief stay with the Mets.” Plus, Cespedes does have have reported concerns about going to Washington. As Rosenthal also writes, “joining the Nationals also might concern him, given the number of strong personalities in their clubhouse.”
More from Nationals Rumors
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
- Washington Nationals: Is Seth Lugo Still an Option?
- Washington Nationals Re-Sign RHP Erasmo Ramirez
- Washington Nationals Sign RHP Trevor Williams
- Washington Nationals Sign OF Stone Garrett
Ever since the Cespedes rumors came out, I always thought if the deals were similar, he was going to back to New York because of the familiarity and the success the Mets had at the end of last season with their starting rotation. Cespedes was one of the main reasons why the Mets were able to win the NL East and eventually the NL pennant. Over the final 57 games of the season, the 30-year-old outfielder had a slash line of .287/.337/.604 with 17 home runs and 44 RBI’s.
Cespedes and his agent, Brodie Van Wagenen from CAA, have a meeting with New York today, so it will be interesting to see how that meeting goes. If he were to go back to the Mets, it would be another high profile free agent that would pass on the Nats this winter. That list includes Darren O’Day, Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward, and Justin Upton.
However, if the Nationals were able to sign Cespedes, it would mean adding two of the best hitters down the stretch this past from the season as Washington already has Daniel Murphy at second base. New York was able to go 9-7 against Washington in 2015. While the rivalry was strong in the second half last season, it is now even stronger regardless of what decision Cespedes makes. Will the Nats be second fiddle to New York again or will they up their offer and provide a huge blow to the Mets’ lineup?