In an unexpected social media appearance that has set Mets fans buzzing, Yoenis Céspedes, the former New York Mets powerhouse, has publicly declared his desire to return to Queens. The 39-year-old outfielder clarified his intentions during a Wednesday live stream on the Instagram account “NYM_news.”
“I’m ready to play but just for the Mets,” Céspedes wrote from his official Instagram account, sparking immediate reactions from the Mets faithful.
The Cuban slugger’s last Major League appearance came in 2020 when he played just eight games before abruptly opting out of the season, citing COVID-19 concerns. Sources close to the situation revealed to The New York Post that his departure was partially influenced by frustration over limited playing time, which affected his ability to reach performance-based bonuses.
During his prime with the Mets, Céspedes was a force to be reckoned with. He immediately showed his worth after being acquired at the 2015 trade deadline for pitchers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa. In just 57 games with the Mets that season, he posted impressive numbers: a .287 batting average, 17 home runs, and 44 RBIs. His performance helped propel the team to their first World Series appearance since 2000.
The Mets showed their faith in Céspedes’s abilities by signing him to a three-year, $75 million contract before the 2016 season. He later opted out and secured an even bigger deal – a four-year, $110 million contract before the 2017 season. At the time, his $27.5 million annual salary was the highest for any outfielder in baseball.
However, injuries plagued his later years with the team. A series of setbacks, including surgeries on both heels and a notorious incident involving a broken ankle reportedly sustained in a ranch accident, limited him to just 316 games over five seasons. Despite these challenges, he maintained impressive statistics when healthy, hitting .279/.344/.539 with 76 home runs and 205 RBIs in his Mets career.
His last attempt at a comeback came in 2021 when he held a showcase in Fort Pierce, Florida, that attracted 11 MLB teams. Talks with the Mets fell when Céspedes refused to consider playing in the minor leagues. His most recent professional baseball experience came during the 2022-23 season with Águilas Cibaeñas in the Dominican Winter League.
The timing of Céspedes’s comeback desire is particularly interesting. He recently made an appearance at Citi Field during the 2023 NLCS, catching a ceremonial first pitch from another former Met, Matt Harvey. This public connection display to his former team adds context to his current desire for a reunion.
While the chances of a comeback at age 39 might seem slim, Céspedes’s career numbers speak for themselves: a two-time All-Star selection, an eighth-place finish in NL MVP voting in 2016, and a proven track record of delivering in big moments.
The question remains: will the Mets’ front office, led by president of baseball operations David Stearns, consider giving their former star another chance to shine in Queens? Whether this social media message leads to a dramatic return or remains just a nostalgic wish, it’s clear that Céspedes still holds a special place in his heart for the orange and blue.