UPDATE: BREAKING: Yoenis Cespedes Missing

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1861 days ago

Earlier reports that centerfielder Yoenis Cespedes had gone missing have now been resolved. Without any warning prior to today’s game, the Mets center fielder decided to opt out. Fortunately, he is safe, and there is been no report of him suffering from any coronavirus related issues.

UPDATE: 8/2/2020 at 3:30 PM Cespedes Opts-Out

When Yoenis Cespedes didn't show up today, the Mets sent security to his room. They found it empty. He had taken his belongings, just up and left, and through his agent informed the team mid-game that he was opting out, according to Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2020

BREAKING: According to the New York Mets who issued a statement just a few minutes ago, outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has gone missing. Cespedes was at the park yesterday, as scheduled. As of this time, details are very limited.

Team statement: “As of game time, Yoenis Céspedes has not reported to the ballpark today. He did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence. Our attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful. The team continues to make attempts to contact him through every channel available.

This seems very strange, as Cespedes is an everyday player, that would not be likely to walk out for not getting playing time. There’s been no reports to indicate that he is chosen to opt out for the remainder of the season, and the Mets would have certainly known if that were his choice period.

Whether you are a Mets fan or not, it is disconcerting to know that a player is missing, we can only hope that everything is OK with him. Stay tuned and we will keep you up to date with any further developments.

UPDATE: August 2, 2020, 2:00 PM Central

While the exact details are still unknown, MLB insider Jon Heyman is now reporting that Cespedes’ absence is not COVID-19 related and that his safety is not at risk. Great news.

Yoenis Cespedes’ absence, a #Mets official said, is not COVID-19 related, and his safety is.not at risk. He has also not told Mets officials he is opting out.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 2, 2020