While it was widely expected to happen, Yoenis Cespedes has reportedly opted out of his contract with the New York Mets.
According to ESPN’s Adam Rubin, Cespedes has formally made the decision and will become a free agent.
The Mets are said to be “pessimistic” about bringing Cespedes back into the fold due to their reluctance to make a long-term commitment. The decision does not come as a surprise to the team, however.
Mets officials are reportedly reluctant to offer Cespedes a long-term pact in part over concerns that his work ethic would diminish once he was locked into a lengthy deal. They are expected to offer him the one-year qualifying deal, which would entitle them to a supplemental draft pick in the event that he signs elsewhere.
The Mets hadn’t even talked numbers with Cespedes before he opted out. All signs point to him being on a new team come 2017.
