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Details of the Mets' Yoenis Cespedes deal

It's a short-term deal with a high—and reasonable—average annual value.

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Last night, the Mets stunned the baseball world and re-signed power-hitting outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who was a force for them down the stretch after coming over in a trade from the Tigers at last year's trade deadline. It's a three-year contract worth $75 million, and Cespedes got a full no-trade clause and—more importantly—the right to opt out of the contract after the first season.

If he does opt out, Cespedes will be paid a $27.5 million salary for the 2016 season. Not that there should be anybody inclined to criticize the Mets for spending too much money right now, but given the state of the sport, that's a perfectly reasonable salary for Cespedes on a one-year deal, if it goes that way. Whatever the case, there isn't any deferred money in the contract.

It's a fascinating contract, as Cespedes reportedly had a five-year offer from the Washington Nationals on the table, and as of last night, Jon Heyman had at least one other "mystery team" in on Cespedes. But the outfielder chose to return to the Mets on a contract that has him betting on himself, presumably earning much more per season but taking a risk on what he'll earn in total over the rest of his career.