Earlier this month, New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said that the team was not sure whether or not outfielder Yoenis Cespedes would be back in 2020, but now, we have some evidence that he is making progress.
Mets hitting instructor and former outfielder Endy Chavez posted an Instagram video of Cespedes taking batting practice on Tuesday (via Anthony DiComo of MLB.com), an indication that Cespedes could be making his way back.
Of course, the Mets are a National League team, so Cespedes would also have to play the field. Based on the fact that he has missed a good chunk of time since 2017 (including all of 2019) due to leg and heel injuries, he would almost surely have to show can play the outfield before New York actually brings him back.
Regardless, this is a pretty good sign for the Mets, especially considering Cespedes is due a hefty $29.5 million payday in what is the final year of his four-year deal next season.
Yoenis Cespedes has not played since July 2018.
New York initially acquired the 34-year-old ahead of the 2015 MLB trade deadline, and in 57 games with the Mets that season, he slashed .287/.337/.604 with 17 home runs and 44 RBI over 249 plate appearances, helping New York make a World Series appearance.
The following year, Cespedes slashed .280/.354/.530 with 31 long balls and 86 RBI across 543 trips to the dish, earning an All-Star selection in the process. His production that season earned him a $110 million extension that ensuing winter.
However, since then, Cespedes has appeared in just 119 contests.
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