Report: Mets OF Yoenis Cespedes to opt out of contract
New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes plans to opt out of his current contract after the World Series to test free agency, according to multiple media reports. According to ESPN, the slugger's agents won't make the move until three days after the World Series.
Earlier in the season, Cespedes told the Bergen Record that he planned on playing out all three years of his current contract.
Before the 2016 season, Cespedes signed a three-year, $75 million contract that included an option to void the deal after this season and a full no-trade clause.
Cespedes was paid $17.5 million in base salary to go along with a $10 million signing bonus this season. Cespedes would be paid $23.75 million for each of the next two seasons.
The Mets reportedly still plan to offer Cespedes a one-year qualifying offer, which is set at $17.2 million, once Cespedes decides to opt out. If Cespedes leaves the team in free agency, the Mets would receive a draft pick as compensation.
Cespedes, 31, hit .280 and with 31 homers and 86 RBIs for New York in 2016, helping lead the Mets to the NL wild-card game despite playing in only 132 regular-season games.
– Scooby Axson
