What Happened to Yoenis Cespedes? Know about His Contract with New York Mets
by Swetha P | Updated Jun 11, 2023
Who is Yoenis Cespedes?
Have you ever heard of Yoenis Céspedes Milanés? This intriguing individual has quite a captivating story. Known by the nickname "La Potencia," which translates to "The Power," Céspedes is a professional baseball outfielder originally from Cuba. His journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) began on March 28, 2012, when he made his debut with the Oakland Athletics.
But Céspedes didn't stop there. Throughout his career, he showcased his versatility by playing for various teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. While he initially thrived as a left fielder, he later split his time between left and center field during his tenure with the Mets. Furthermore, Céspedes was an integral part of the Cuba national team, contributing to their success in various tournaments and earning gold medals along the way.
In the MLB realm, he displayed his home run-hitting prowess by winning the Home Run Derby in both 2013 and 2014, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. This remarkable athlete is a two-time All-Star and had the privilege of participating in his first World Series in 2015 as a member of the New York Mets, who emerged as the National League champions. Yoenis Céspedes has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the baseball world, with his explosive power, remarkable accomplishments, and contributions to both his teams and his home country of Cuba.
What Happened to Yoenis Cespedes?
Yoenis Céspedes, known more for generating jokes than making an impact in the Mets' lineup, faced a string of challenges in recent years. In the shortened 2020 season, he played a mere eight games before opting out entirely. Prior to that, he missed the entire 2019 season due to surgery on both heels. Adding to the peculiar circumstances, an incident involving a wild boar on his Florida ranch resulted in a fractured ankle, causing Céspedes to sacrifice a significant portion of his salary.
During his stint with the Mets, Céspedes's playing time was severely limited due to recurring injuries and health issues, restricting his participation to just 119 games combined in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Regrettably, the Mets failed to reach the postseason during those years. Céspedes also faced scrutiny for his passion for golf, which attracted negative publicity and disapproval from some quarters.
Nevertheless, Terry Collins, Céspedes' former manager, believes that all 30 MLB teams, including the Mets, should explore the possibility of adding him to their rosters for the upcoming 2023 season. Despite his setbacks and now being 37 years old, Céspedes' undeniable talent, which went untapped due to unfortunate circumstances, warrants serious consideration.
The failed Carlos Correa deal has left the Mets searching for additional offensive firepower, making Collins's suggestion even more compelling. Currently recovering from a leg injury that curtailed his time with the Dominican Winter League's Águilas Cibaeñas in the 2022-23 season, Céspedes is expected to represent the Cuban team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Although absent from the majors since the truncated 2020 season, there remains a belief among some that Céspedes still possesses the skills and potential to make a meaningful contribution to a team in the approaching season. The anticipation surrounding his return to the baseball world, and the opportunity to reshape his narrative, adds an air of excitement and curiosity to Céspedes' upcoming journey.
Yoenis Cespedes Age
Step into the electrifying world of Yoenis Céspedes Milanés, the Cuban-born dynamo who has taken the baseball scene by storm. With a birthdate that reads October 18, 1985, this incredible talent at the ripe age of 37 continues to defy the odds and leave fans in awe. Dubbed "La Potencia" for his jaw-dropping power, Céspedes showcases an unparalleled prowess on the field as an outfielder.
Prepare to be captivated by the unparalleled display of Yoenis Céspedes' skills, as he effortlessly weaves his way through the game, leaving spectators in awe of his unruly force and when he patrols the outfield, time seems to pause as he defies gravity with breathtaking catches. Céspedes embodies a brand of magic that transcends the boundaries of age and time, captivating fans and reminding us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
Yoenis Cespedes Contract
On November 29, 2016, Yoenis Cespedes inked a significant four-year, $110 million deal with the New York Mets, accompanied by a full no-trade clause, cementing it as one of the most substantial contracts in Major League Baseball history at the time. Regrettably, the contract has proven to be a major disappointment for the Mets due to Cespedes' persistent injuries. Throughout the past four seasons, he has only managed to participate in 129 games.
The Mets still bear the financial responsibility for the remainder of Cespedes' contract. In 2023, he is owed a staggering $29.5 million, with a club option of $20 million for 2024, the decision on which is currently uncertain. Cespedes' contract serves as a cautionary tale for teams considering hefty contracts for players with a history of injuries. It serves as a poignant reminder that even with immense talent, no player can be guaranteed a clean bill of health throughout the entirety of a long-term contract. The Mets now face a challenging decision regarding the future of Cespedes' contract and the financial implications it carries.
Yoenis Cespedes Stats
Career Stats
Season
Team
LG
G
AB
R
H
TB
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
IBB
SO
SB
CS
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
GO/AO
2012
OAK
AL
129
487
70
142
246
25
5
23
82
43
5
102
16
4
.292
.356
.505
.861
0.80
2013
OAK
AL
135
529
74
127
234
21
4
26
80
37
5
137
7
7
.240
.294
.442
.736
0.63
2014
2 teams
-
152
600
89
156
270
36
6
22
100
35
3
128
7
2
.260
.301
.450
.751
0.60
2015
2 teams
-
159
633
101
184
343
42
6
35
105
33
5
141
7
5
.291
.328
.542
.870
0.99
2016
NYM
NL
132
479
72
134
254
25
1
31
86
51
8
108
3
1
.280
.354
.530
.884
0.76
2017
NYM
NL
81
291
46
85
157
17
2
17
42
26
5
61
0
1
.292
.352
.540
.892
0.53
2018
NYM
NL
38
141
20
37
70
6
0
9
29
13
2
50
3
0
.262
.325
.496
.821
0.40
2020
NYM
NL
8
31
3
5
12
1
0
2
4
2
0
15
0
0
.161
.235
.387
.622
1.20
MLB Career
-
-
834
3191
475
870
1586
173
24
165
528
240
33
742
43
20
.273
.327
.497
.824
0.71
What Happened to Yoenis Cespedes - FAQs
His nickname is "La Potencia" (The Power).
He is currently 37 years old.
Yes, Cespedes has been plagued by injuries during his time in the MLB.
Yes, Cespedes signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Mets in 2016.
There are those who believe that despite his age and injury history, Cespedes still possesses the skills to make a meaningful contribution in the upcoming season.