But, more than anything, what sold the 30-year-old on re-signing with the Mets is an opt-out clause at the end of the upcoming season.
When Cespedes signed with the Oakland A's prior to the 2012 season, he accepted a four-year deal because it included a clause allowing him to become a free agent at the end of the contract -- instead of needing six years of big league service time.
The plan hit a roadblock, however. Cespedes found himself part of a free-agent class that is one of the strongest in recent years. Next offseason, however, Cespedes could well be the marquee name.