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Bye Bye, Yoenis Cespedes: How the New York Mets Can Replace Yo’

Chris Thompson •
Bye Bye, Yoenis Cespedes: How the New York Mets Can Replace Yo' 11
May 21, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets centerfielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) hits an RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) hits an RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Desmond

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he former Washington Nationals SS and Texas Rangers CF had hoped for a massive contract last offseason. But unfortunately for Ian Desmond, he only got a one-year ‘prove it’ deal from Texas after a down year for the Nationals in 2015 (.233 AVG/19 HR/62 RBI).

The joke was on the rest of the league as Desmond raked in 2016, posting a .285 AVG with 22 HR, 86 RBI, and 21 SB. On top of his great season at the plate, he learned to use his once great SS range and plus arm in center field, giving him versatility at two of the games most difficult positions.

With Asdrubal Cabrera at SS next season, and top prospect Amed Rosario in line to take over short after him, the Mets would most likely use Desmond in center. But being that he wanted a long-term deal last offseason and didn’t get one, he’ll surely want one now, with analysts expecting the 31-year-old to receive 3-5 year offers on the open market.

[sc name=”Mets Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2016/11/09/bye-bye-cespedes-mets-yo-leaves/6/” text=”Edwin Encarnacion” ]
Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson

Chris recently graduated with a Journalism degree from Montclair State University. Baseball is his love and he hopes to bring back some of the old-school popularity to the game.

Chris Thompson covers the NY Jets and NY Mets for Elite Sports NY. You can interact with him on Twitter @Time2Topher.

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