Yo, Mets. Make it happen.
Michael Cuddyer handed the team an early Christmas gift with his decision to retire. Now go out and use that money to get a game-changing, season-changing outfielder — you know, a guy named Yoenis Cespedes.
You know better than any team what Cespedes can do for you. Look at all those postseason sellouts you had at Citi Field.
Cuddyer was due to make $12.5 million in 2016. With word of his retirement coming out Friday night, this is found money and the Mets already know Cespedes was a difference-maker when he came over in that trade from the Tigers.
Don’t let him get away.
The Mets have the super, young pitching. They upgraded in the infield, but they need a power bat. Don’t let these great young arms go to waste.
The organization never will have such a bargain-basement, spectacular rotation ever again. Make the most of this opportunity.
If not Cespedes, don’t be afraid to shoot high in the talent department. Make a run at Justin Upton.
Mets management has long liked Upton’s ability. But Upton is 28 and probably out of the Mets’ range both financially and in contract length. Cespedes is the better fit and can play center field.
Bring back a star. Don’t wish upon a star.
General manager Sandy Alderson did a fantastic job landing Cespedes at the trade deadline and it made all the difference in the world.
Go for the gold, again. Cespedes was happy as a Met and delivered to the tune of 17 home runs, a .287 batting average and a .942 OPS over 57 games.
Yes, we remember all the monster hits Daniel Murphy got in the post-season, but the reason he got those hits was because he had Cespedes batting behind him. Pitchers were pitching to him, not wanting any part of Cespedes.
When the scout-driven Royals realized in the World Series that Cespedes wasn’t the same hitter he was earlier because of a left shoulder injury, they went hard after Murphy.
Cespedes struggled and hit .150 in the Series. He will be 31 at the end of next season, so he is not about to get the kind of money the Cubs gave former Cardinals outfielder Jason Heyward — eight years, $184 million.
Maybe Cespedes’ contract wishes will come back to earth a bit.
The Mets have nothing to lose by going hard after Cespedes. Talking with a Mets official Friday, he said the club was going to shoot a little higher than expected for outfield help.
Shoot even higher.
Don’t be afraid to shoot for the moon to try to land Cespedes. Manager Terry Collins did a wonderful job getting the most out of Cespedes, who has been with four teams since July 2014.
Cuddyer, the clubhouse magician, left you magic money.
Bring Yoenis Cespedes back home to Citi Field.