New York Mets: 2016 First-Half Awards

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Jul 7, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) hits a single against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

– MVP

The Most Valuable Player for the Mets in the first half of the season is an easy choice. Yoenis Cespedes has carried the Mets in the first half of the season, as he picked up right where he left off last season.

Acquiring Cespedes last season was the move that changed it all for the Mets in 2015. When Cespedes arrived, the Mets quickly had the middle of the order hitter that they so desperately needed to spark their offense. Cespedes was able to provide protection for other hitters in the lineup, and the Mets actually had one of the best offenses in all of baseball in the second half of the season.

This offseason, it wasn’t a given that the Mets were going to re-sign Cespedes, and when they signed Alejandro De Aza, it looked like Cespedes was as good as gone. Cespedes did eventually re-sign to a three-year deal, but he has an option to opt out after this season. If the first half is any indication, Cespedes would be wise to use that opt-out clause and look for the long-term deal that he desired this past offseason.

Next: Who were the most disappointing Mets of the first-half?

The Mets will need Cespedes to continue to play at an extremely high level in the second half of the season if they are going to reach the World Series for the second consecutive season.

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