Update: Yoenis Céspedes Opts Out of 2020 Season

This article has been updated since its initial publishing.

New York Mets designated hitter Yoenis Céspedes has opted out of the 2020 season for COVID-19-related reasons, per general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.

"He's decided to opt-out of the remainder of the season for COVID related reasons"

Brodie Van Wagenen on Yoenis Cespedes pic.twitter.com/04OyXZJ4BM

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 2, 2020

Céspedes did not report to Truist Park for today’s afternoon game against the Atlanta Braves.

Van Wagenen said several attempts were made to contact him, though all were unsuccessful. The news of Céspedes opting out came as a surprise, he said.

"It was surprising, without question"

Brodie says the Mets were surprised by Yoenis Cespedes opting out, but they support his decision pic.twitter.com/OFHf3VSa0E

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 2, 2020

“As of game time, Yoenis Céspedes has not reported to the ballpark today,” Van Wagenen said in a statement. “He did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence. Our attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.”

The Mets did not believe Céspedes’ safety was at risk, though not much information was known. Van Wagenen said after Céspedes failed to report to the stadium, security was sent to his hotel room, where all his belongings were gone. 

Céspedes’ agent informed the team mid-game that he was opting out.

"You want to make sure first and foremost he's okay"

Brodie says the Mets took the Yoenis Cespedes situation very seriously pic.twitter.com/HIrmNd6czh

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 2, 2020

Céspedes, who returned to the Mets lineup following nearly two years of injuries, finished the season with two home runs and a .161 batting average in 31 at-bats. 

(Photo: New York Post)