New York Mets’ slugger Yoenis Cespedes won’t play baseball in the 2020 MLB season anymore. The news was confirmed on Sunday by the team’s general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.
According to Van Wagenen, Cespedes informed the team that he is opting out due to coronavirus pandemic concerns. The 34-year-old player previously failed to show up for the game against Atlanta Braves on Sunday, leaving the team hotel without explanation.
“We support everybody and every player’s right to make this type of decision. This is a challenging time for everyone,” Van Wagenen told reporters. “It was surprising, without question. At the same point, we have to go forward and not allow anything to keep us from going forward.”
Cespedes returned to action this season after previously being sidelined for almost two years due to several different injuries. He played eight games with Mets in 2020, batting .161 with two home runs and four RBIs.
By opting out, Yoenis Cespedes most likely ended his stint with the organization. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent next year, with his four-year, $110 million deal he signed in 2017 coming to an end.
Cespedes previously also played with Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers. He has two All-Star appearances alongside Gold Glove Award from the 2015 and Silver Slugger award from 2016. His career stats include .273 batting average with 165 homers and 528 RBIs.
