There is no doubt that the New York Mets have been on a rollercoaster ride this season. From a promising start to a mid-season slump, the team has faced numerous challenges and uncertainties. One of the biggest disappointments for the Mets and their fans was the news that they won’t have the opportunity to sign highly touted prospect, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, there is a silver lining to this disappointment as the team will likely be able to re-sign their own star slugger instead.
Let’s face it, the Mets were not the only team vying for the services of Guerrero Jr. The 19-year-old phenom has been making waves in the minor leagues, with impressive statistics that have made him the talk of the baseball world. It was expected that once he becomes a free agent, teams would be lining up to sign him. And with the Mets being one of the teams with a good chance of making the playoffs this year, the addition of a young talent like Guerrero Jr. would have been a huge boost to their postseason hopes.
However, it was recently announced that Guerrero Jr. had signed a multi-million dollar deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, the team his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, played for. As much as it stings for the Mets to miss out on such a promising player, it’s important to remember that they have their own star slugger to focus on – none other than Yoenis Cespedes.
Cespedes has been the Mets’ top offensive player since his arrival in 2015. He has consistently put up impressive numbers, with a batting average of .286, 105 home runs and 295 RBI in just three and a half seasons with the team. His powerful swing and clutch hitting have made him a fan favorite and a key component in the Mets’ lineup.
But Cespedes’ tenure with the Mets has not been without its challenges. Injuries have plagued him in recent years, limiting his playing time and affecting his production on the field. This year, he has been sidelined with a hip injury since May and is expected to be out for the rest of the season. This has raised concerns among fans about his long-term future with the team.
However, all indications point towards Cespedes returning to the Mets next season. In a recent interview, team officials expressed their confidence in Cespedes’ recovery and their plan to have him back in the lineup for the 2019 season. This is great news for both the team and its fans as Cespedes has proven time and time again that he is a vital part of the Mets’ success.
One of the biggest advantages of re-signing Cespedes instead of signing Guerrero Jr. is the familiarity and chemistry he has with the team. Cespedes has been with the Mets for over three seasons and has built a strong relationship with his teammates and coaches. He is also familiar with the pitching staff and has shown his ability to perform in the high-pressure environment of New York.
Moreover, re-signing Cespedes will save the Mets from spending a large sum of money on a young, unproven player. Cespedes is a proven talent and has already established himself as one of the top outfielders in the league. While Guerrero Jr. has a lot of potential, there is no guarantee that he will live up to the hype and justify the hefty price tag he comes with.
Of course, there will be some who will argue that the Mets should have gone all out to sign Guerrero Jr. and that his potential outweighs the risks. But as the old saying goes, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. The Mets have a proven star in Cespedes who, when healthy, can carry the team on his back. And with the return of other injured players next season, the Mets could have a formidable lineup that will make them strong contenders in the National League.
In the end, it’s important for the Mets and their fans to focus on the positives. Yes, they may have missed out on the opportunity to sign Guerrero Jr., but they have the opportunity to re-sign their own star slugger. Cespedes has proven himself as a valuable asset to the team and his return next season will only make the Mets stronger. So let’s keep the faith and look forward to a successful 2019 season with Cespedes in the lineup. Let’s go Mets!
