Just two months ago, Mets star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes published an essay for The Players’ Tribune titled “Finally at Home” about New York and the Mets. Now Cespedes has expressed an interest in eventually returned to “where he started” and finishing his career with the Oakland Athletics.
From the San Francisco Chronicle:
“I wish that happens,” Céspedes said, adding of former A’s and current Mets teammate Jerry Blevins, “I told Blevins, ‘I don’t know how many years I’m going to play, but I’m going to play the last year of my career with Oakland.’ I don’t know if that’s possible or not, but that’s my goal.”
The Mets have already had plenty of drama this season from players going AWOL, to dildos in the locker room, to injuries. Cespedes isn’t helping here.
There’s not much harm in Cespedes’ comments. All he said is he wants to play his final year with the Athletics. He turns 32 years old in October, and he’ll be a free agent after the 2020 season at age 35. We’re looking far down the road here.
What’s more harmful is a comment Cespedes threw in about A’s manager Bob Melvin, in which he underhandedly slighted Mets manager Terry Collins:
“I tell my guys here all the time that he’s the best manager for me so far,” Céspedes said. “I don’t think there’s a better manager than Melvin.”
Meanwhile, Cespedes is making nearly $30 million per year with the Mets while serving as one of the faces of the franchise. Mets fans were understandably displeased when they heard his comments to the Chronicle. Especially considering Cespedes’ July slump.
Real take: Cespedes shouldn't have said that, but if you think he has any loyalty to NYC and not $$ you haven't been paying attention.
— NO CASINO IN FLUSHING (@GoodFundies) July 21, 2017
Just what you want to hear from your slumping star
— BruceEdwards4 (@BruceEdards4) July 21, 2017
Unreal. Did he come into this year TRYING to destroy his NY legacy. What a fucking idiot
— Josh Eppard (@Weerd_Science) July 21, 2017
Ron on Yo's comments: "Unfair to Terry Collins and a mistake by Cespedes."
— Rising Apple (@RisingAppleBlog) July 21, 2017
I don't care if a 35-year-old Yoenis Cespedes finishes his career with the Oakland A's, but he probably shouldn't say that right now. #Mets
— Rich MacLeod (@richmacleod) July 21, 2017
Needless to say, in a season full of under-performance, much of which has come from Céspedes, it's probably not the best time for commentary
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) July 21, 2017
