With today being the deadline for free agents to make decisions regarding their qualifying offers, Yoenis Cespedes has already made up his mind.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, New York Mets slugger, Yoenis Cespedes, has decided to not accept the qualifying offer and will now pursue free agency for a long-term deal.
This offseason, the qualifying offer is set at one-year, $17.2 million which is good for free agents who are not looking for long term deals just yet. This is why the decision does not come to much of a surprise for Mets fans as most have already set in their minds that he will not be on the team next year.
In 2016, Cespedes provided New York with a key offensive presence in their lineup that will be tough to replace if he decides not to resign. The all-star sported a slash line of .280/.354/.530 with 31 home runs and 86 RBIs.
He will certainly get the money and length that he desires no matter where he signs whether if it’s in New York or even Japan.
Stay tuned to ESNY this offseason for all updates during the Hot Stove season.