Baseball is coming back, but the National League will be different this season. The New York Mets may have the advantage of one new rule.
It’s almost time for New York Mets baseball. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National League has adopted the DH. While the American League has had the DH since 1973, the National League will be entering a brave new world.
With that being said, the Mets have a solid team with decent options as the DH. They can try tons of different alignments at the position at their expense.
Yoenis Céspedes is a strong candidate to fill that role, who could have a legitimate middle-of-the-order lineup behind Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Michael Conforto. The rule change will also give Dominic Smith and J.D. Davis opportunities for every day playing time. Here’s why they are the three best options the Mets have to use at that position.
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Yoenis Céspedes
OF DH
Yoenis Céspedes was taking live batting practice when spring training was suspended in March. The 34-year old underwent multiple surgeries to remove heel qualifications in 2018. Then, in May 2019, he sustained injuries after an encounter with a wild boar on his ranch.
Céspedes has had plenty of time to recover from his injuries. If he’s healthy, he could be an option at DH, given his injury history over his career. It would be a benefit for the Mets as he’s known for his offensive prowess with less concern of another injury occurring.
The two-time All-Star has one of the best arms in baseball, winning a Gold Glove in. However, his foot injuries have affected his mobility to run the bases. With that in mind, Cespedes doesn’t need to be every day left fielder. The Mets need him to hit, and that’s what he’s capable of doing when healthy.
If you’re wondering if Céspedes has been in the DH role, he has. In 84 career games as a DH, his .851 OPS is higher than his .806 OPS as a left fielder.
Céspedes’ last appearance with the Mets was July 20, 2018. Depending on MLB’s undetermined schedule, the Mets could open the season soon after his two-year injury anniversary.