The Cespedes Saga Begins in Oakland

On this date in 2012, the A's shelled out some serious money to land Yoenis Cespedes. One of the most highly sought free agents ever to escape Cuba, the 26-year power hitter landed a four year deal worth $36 million.

After two-and-a-half Oakland seasons, he was traded first to the Red Sox and then the Tigers. He came to Queens in the middle of 2015 and seemingly put the Mets on his back as they marched to a surprise National League pennant.

A pair of extensions have kept him a Met -- but frequent injuries have  since dented his value. After undergoing surgery on both heels, he isn't expected back until mid-summer. But if and when he returns, he'll provide hope for Mets fans, who still believe his big bat could lead them to one more October run.

(My image of Cespedes is from the August 2nd, 2016 Subway Series game against the Yankees.)

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