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Now that the Detroit Tigers have signed Justin Upton to a long-term deal, all eyes are on free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes as we approach February. The New York Mets simply must re-sign Cespedes, and here are five reasons why this is the case.
5. Must Be Fair To Pitching Staff
TwitterAs currently constructed, the Mets don't have a single hitter for opposing pitchers to fear. Sure, Lucas Duda hits home runs, but he doesn't possess a killer instinct and would much rather take a walk than hit a bomb. Cespedes would be that guy.
The Mets have a chance to showcase the best starting staff of the millennium with Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Bartolo Colon/Zack Wheeler (when he returns).
As currently constructed, the Mets don't have a single hitter for opposing pitchers to fear. Sure, Lucas Duda hits home runs, but he doesn't possess a killer instinct and would much rather take a walk than hit a bomb. Cespedes would be that guy.
4. Mets Fans Deserve It
Getty ImagesAfter an incredibly dark time in the franchise's history in which Mets fans endured the Bernie Madoff scandal and countless losses, they deserve a winner, and Cespedes will put them over the top.
The Mets sold their fanbase on a five-year rebuild while the stud pitchers were developing, and now they have all made it to the show. A surprise World Series appearance just a few months ago proves this staff can bring home a title, but they need another piece on offense to get the job done, especially now that the Chicago Cubs have beefed up their roster.
After an incredibly dark time in the franchise's history in which Mets fans endured the Bernie Madoff scandal and countless losses, they deserve a winner, and Cespedes will put them over the top.
3. Keep Him Away From Washington Nationals
Brad Mills-USA TODAY SportsIf Cespedes ends up in Washington, the Nationals will have two of the Mets' three best hitters from last season (Daniel Murphy signed earlier in the offseason) and will undoubtedly become the clear-cut favorite to win the NL East. The Mets can't allow this to happen.
After missing out on Justin Upton, the Washington Nationals reportedly have an offer out to Cespedes. While they don't necessarily need another outfielder, the Nationals have always been aggressive and will find a way to make it work should he accept.
If Cespedes ends up in Washington, the Nationals will have two of the Mets' three best hitters from last season (Daniel Murphy signed earlier in the offseason) and will undoubtedly become the clear-cut favorite to win the NL East. The Mets can't allow this to happen.
2. Deal Will Change Perception Of The Franchise
Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsRe-signing Cespedes would put an end to all the negativity, and it would prove that ownership is prepared to do anything and everything it takes to win a World Series now that most of the pieces are in place.
The Mets have been at the butt-end of jokes from MLB fans and media alike for years now, especially since the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme unraveled. Not only that, but playing in the same town as the New York Yankees inherently makes the Mets chopped liver in the minds of the masses outside of the New York City market.
Re-signing Cespedes would put an end to all the negativity, and it would prove that ownership is prepared to do anything and everything it takes to win a World Series now that most of the pieces are in place.
1. Cespedes' Presence Helps Other Players Get Better Pitches To Hit
Getty ImagesCespedes' presence in the middle of the order would undoubtedly force pitchers to go right after those who hit before him, which will make them better hitters in their own right.
As mentioned, the Mets don't have an overly intimidating bat in their lineup currently. Sure, they have a number of solid hitters, but there isn't a ton of pop in this order outside of Lucas Duda and Curtis Granderson, who's slated to be their leadoff hitter.
Cespedes' presence in the middle of the order would undoubtedly force pitchers to go right after those who hit before him, which will make them better hitters in their own right.
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