Oakland Athletics

Mets make powerful statement with deal for HR Derby champ Cespedes

Published Jul. 31, 2015 5:03 p.m. ET

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The New York Mets went right up to the final minutes of Friday's trade deadline before snagging the big bat they coveted, acquiring outfielder Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers for a pair of minor league pitchers.

Cespedes clubbed 18 homers and had 61 RBIs in 102 games this season but, unlike most power hitters, he is unlikely to be fazed by playing at New York's spacious Citi Field.

The 29-year-old Cuban put on a show in winning the 2013 Home Run Derby at Citi Field, cranking out 32 homers in three rounds to defeat Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals. 

Cespedes unloaded a number of majestic blasts into the third deck during that competition and punctuated his victory with a 455-foot shot to straightaway center field.

Showing his victory was no fluke, Cespedes successfully defended his title in the 2014 Home Run Derby at Minnesota's Target Field, joining Ken Griffey Jr. as the only repeat winners.

This marked the third trade in one year for Cespedes, who belted a career-best 26 homers with the Oakland Athletics in 2012 during his second season. 

The Mets sent minor league pitchers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa to complete the deal.

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