Mets rumors: Yoenis Cespedes plans to opt in this winter

Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes does not plan to opt out of his contract this winter, according to Bob Klapisch and Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record. Cespedes told Ehalt that he plans to honor the final two seasons of his contract with the team instead of hitting free agency.

Cespedes signed a 3-year, $75 million deal with the Mets last winter that included an opt-out clause after this year, in which he was paid $27.5 million. He is due to earn $47.5 million over the next two years, though many believe he would earn much more on the free agent market.

Cespedes, 30, drew strong interest from a few clubs last offseason, with the Nationals and White Sox among the clubs involved. He has hit .295/.365/.570 with 25 homers and 64 RBI in a very strong season for New York, and was named an All-Star for the second time in three seasons.

The top offensive options available this winter include Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Trumbo, though Cespedes, at a relatively young age, may be in line to command the largest deal. He will be able to change his mind at any point before his decision is due in October, but at this point seems committed to the Mets going forward.