Mets Boxing Day Celebration: Three contracts the team would like to exchange

Yoenis Cespedes – Texas Rangers

Mets fans don’t want to trade Yoenis Cespedes for a couple of reasons. His restructured contract makes it easier to hold onto him. The issue may be trusting him on defense.

Even if Cespedes can swat 52 home runs, there’s no telling how effective he can be with a glove on his hand.

A trade to the American League seems to make the most sense. The Texas Rangers, who have added some big-name pitchers this winter including Corey Kluber, may have space available. They failed to sign free agent target Anthony Rendon, leaving the offense a little lackluster for now.

Shin-Soo Choo is lined up to be the DH in Texas next year, but there are plenty of options for them to move a few pieces around. The team has a couple of young sluggers who have either yet to reach their potential or have faced some hard times in recent seasons. Clearly hoping to enter “win-now” mode in 2020 when they open up the new ballpark, a reinvigorated Cespedes could go a long way toward getting the fans excited.

Along with playing some DH, first base is a possibility for Cespedes. Before Pete Alonso rewrote MLB history, there was some thought Cespedes could play the position for a bit in 2019. He never did get the opportunity and he won’t as long as he stays with the Mets.

Texas should have the funds available to add Cespedes. Then again, so should just about any team now that he’s not guaranteed nearly as much.

Because many hitters have thrived for the Rangers over the years thanks in large part to Texas heat, the front office down in Arlington could believe a 52 home run campaign is a little more realistic for Cespedes if he wore one of their uniforms. The Mets probably wouldn’t get much in return for him, but they would free up a roster spot and some salary to perhaps add a different face to the 2020 team.