The Mets will be present for Cole Hamels’ pitching showcase in Texas on Friday as the team looks for potential fill-ins for their depleted pitching staff, but New York reportedly also checked in on a former impact bat looking to find his way back into the league.
According to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, the Mets, who have been hit with an unprecedented wave of injuries this season, had discussions with Yoenis Cespedes’ representation about a potential reunion when the team was desperate for outfielders. Cespedes hasn’t played since last season, when he appeared in eight games before suddenly disappearing and eventually opting out of the 2020 campaign.
Per the report, talks between the two sides didn’t gain much momentum, as Cespedes is seeking a guaranteed contract with a roster spot, which is a tall ask given his recent injury history, which includes a fractured ankle in an encounter with a wild boar.
Cespedes was an All-Star with the Mets in 2016 after helping lead the team to a World Series berth in 2015 in one of the most impact trade deadline acquisitions in recent memory. He signed a four-year, $110 million deal but only played in 127 games after that.
New York was in need of outfield help earlier in the season, but Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo have both returned from extended IL stints, while J.D. Davis, who could play outfield in addition to third base, is expected back right after the All-Star break.
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