Mets unsure if injury-ridden Cespedes will play in 2020
Yoenis Cespedes might have worn a New York Mets uniform for the last time.
Cespedes missed all of 2019 due to a variety of injuries, and the outlook for his return in 2020 remains cloudy. General manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday that while the outfielder is still rehabbing, it's "too early to tell" if he'll be able to play next year, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
"I don't have enough information to predict when he's going to be back," Van Wagenen said.
Cespedes became a fan favorite in Queens when he was acquired at the 2015 trade deadline, helping the Mets win that year's NL pennant before turning in another All-Star season and winning a Silver Slugger in 2016.
But the marriage turned to disaster after he re-signed with the team on a four-year, $110-million deal before the 2017 campaign.
The 34-year-old slugger has played in just 119 games over the life of his current contract, and none since undergoing two heel surgeries in July 2018.
Cespedes was still rehabbing his heel issues this past May when he suffered a right ankle injury from a fall at his Florida ranch that resulted in another season-ending surgery.
Regardless of whether he plays in 2020, Cespedes will earn $29.5 million during the final year of his contract. He holds a full no-trade clause.