New York Mets near deal Alejandro De Aza

It has been unlikely the Mets would re-sign Yoenis Cespedes all offseason, and De Aza’s addition all but confirms it. And now he’s going to play for the New York Mets.

NEW YORK (AP) – A person familiar with the negotiations says outfielder Alejandro De Aza and the New York Mets have agreed to a $5.75 million, one-year contract, pending a physical.

Span is the top choice for the Mets, but his health is what is making the team hold back a little, that as well as his agent, Scott Boras, who is seeking a multi-year deal for the center fielder.

The Mets could also use another proven reliever for the later innings.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the plan is for the lefty-hitting De Aza to platoon in center field with Juan Lagares. Lagares, a right-handed batter, hits. De Aza, who plays all three outfield positions, split last season between the Orioles, Red Sox, and Giants, and hit.266/.333/.422 with seven home runs, seven triples, and 17 doubles in 365 plate appearances. 278 with seven homers and a. 800 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) against right-handers in 2015.

Money was also likely a serious factor in the Mets’ signing De Aza.

De Aza reportedly will receive a one-year deal, and the Mets opted for him over more proven players such as Denard Span and Gerardo Parra.

The lefty-swinging De Aza is a career.