Mets Morning News: Yoenis Cespedes re-signs, Mets fans rejoice

Meet the Mets

The Mets signed Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year, $110 million contract, complete with a full no-trade clause. Cespedes, David Roth of VICE Sports writes, is getting what he deserves.

Cespedes’s signing was lauded by players and writers alike. David Capobianco and Timothy Finnegan helped Mets fans bask in the moment, compiling Cespedes’ hallmark moments in Flushing.

Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs emphasized the importance of playing Cespedes in a corner outfield position throughout the remainder of his Mets tenure. Dave Cameron offered external proposals for the Mets’ outfield logjam.

With Cespedes’ deal taken care of, Mets GM Sandy Alderson will use the Winter Meetings to “explore other pursuits.”

The Mets may have had Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez pegged as a contingency plan if Cespedes’ deal fell through.

While it seems Jay Bruce has been placed on the trading block following Cespedes’s signing, the team hasn’t ruled out keeping Bruce and dealing Curtis Granderson.

Anthony DiComo addressed the possibility of catcher Rene Rivera being non-tendered on December 2.

Around the NL East

The Nationals will probably pursue free agent catcher Matt Wieters, though a lengthy contract could prove to be problematic.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman may compete for Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

While a big splash is unlikely, Phillies GM Matt Klentak won’t be afraid to make moves at this year’s Winter Meetings.

There has been little dialogue from other clubs regarding Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna. If Miami opts to shop Ozuna, the 26-year-old would be a hot commodity, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com notes.

Around Major League Baseball

The Cubs inked Jon Jay to a one-year, $8 million contract. This move doesn’t necessarily rule out Dexter Fowler re-signing with the team. After all, Fowler signed with Chicago last season after reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $35 million deal with Baltimore.

After cutting first baseman Chris Carter, the Brewers signed Eric Thames to a three-year, $15 million deal. After producing a .250/.296/.431 line over two MLB seasons in 2011 and 2012, Thames played at an elite level in the Korean Baseball Organization. Nicholas Stellini of FanGraphs and Grant Brisbee of SB Nation analyzed Milwaukee’s unique acquisition.

Anthony Rendon and Rick Porcello were the NL and AL Comeback Players of the Years, respectively.

The Yankees, Dodgers, Rangers, and Astros are all said to be in on free agent starter Rich Hill. Additionally, Mark Brown of Camden Chat noted the Orioles’ interest in the veteran southpaw.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Eric Fischer reviewed Justin Ruggiano’s brief stint with the Mets in 2016.

Jon Baturgil reflected on Matt Reynolds’ rookie campaign.

Steve Sypa, Greg Karam, and Lukas Vlahos kicked off Amazin’ Avenue’s Top 25 Mets Prospects list.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 2007, the Mets traded former top prospect Lastings Milledge to Washington for Ryan Church and Brian Schneider. Milledge would slash .273/.329/.389 over parts of four seasons with the Nationals, Pirates, and White Sox.

Happy birthday to Matt Lawton, Juan Berenguer, and Craig Swan!