Just Mets

The Tigers are 49-52 and in fourth place in the American League Central, 12 1/2 games behind the Royals for first place.

But while they’re only four games out of the second wild card in the American League, the Detroit’s front office is giving in and preparing to, “reboot,” reports Jayson Stark of ESPN.

According to Stark, the Tigers will begin listening to offers for players such as pending free agent Yoenis Cespedes.

The Tigers could have an added incentive to move Cespedes now, as his contract stipulates he cannot be given a qualifying offer by the Tigers, and he is unlikely to pass through trade waivers in August which would only limit his market at that time.

Cespedes is a perfect fit talent-wise for the Mets. He has great power from the right side, has decent speed and is a fabulous outfielder. He has been more productive away from Comerica Park this season, but aside from the home runs he’s been generally fine at home and his splits have been even historically in the Oakland Coliseum. So, if the Mets were to acquire him, they probably wouldn’t have to worry about a drop off at Citi Field.

He has always been more productive against right-handed pitching in his career, but has badly struggled against left-handed pitching this season which isn’t indicative of his history. It could be a fluke, but it’s worth noting in the evaluation process.

The problem is, Cespedes will be a free agent at the end of the season. Like Justin Upton, Cespedes has absolutely no reason to consider an extension this summer and limit his negotiating power to one team. So, there’s significant risk in acquiring Cespedes.

In addition, the Tigers will probably want this “reboot” process to be quick, meaning they may want players who are ready to contribute now, or will be ready to contribute next season. And with Sandy Alderson being clear about his unwillingness to move the four young starting pitchers in the rotation now along with Michael Conforto, the Mets don’t have much that would fit that criteria at the moment.

On the other hand, the industry is well aware of the fact the Tigers cannot make Cespedes a qualifying offer this winter, which will probably serve as extra motivation to get a deal done. Conceivably, that could mean it will be a sellers market for Cespedes, which could lower the ask. But that might mean there will be more suitors for Cespedes, which could negate that factor.

Still, this is a talent the Mets should certainly consider, now that it seems certain he’s available this week. But for now, the Mets are not in on Cespedes, tweets Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Cespedes, 29, has played in all 101 games for the Tigers this year, hitting .289/.321/.500 with 17 home runs and 58 RBI