Mets, Cespedes strike $ 110M deal

BASEBALL NOTEBOOK

Slugging outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is staying with the New YorkMets— again.

After testing free agency for the second consecutive offseason, Cespedes agreed to terms on a four- year, $ 110 million contractwith the Mets, pending the completion of a physical, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.

Cespedes, 31, will get $ 22.5 million next season, $ 29 million each in 2018 and 2019 and $ 29.5 million in 2020. He also will receive a full no- trade provision as part of the agreement.

After the Mets acquired him from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline in 2015, Cespedes had 17 home runs and 44 RBI down the stretch to help them reach the World Series. He then signed a three- year, $ 75 million contract with them as a free agent last offseason that allowed him to opt out after one season. He did so after hitting 31 homers and driving in 86 runs this past season.

Brewers sign Thames

First baseman/ outfielder Eric Thames agreed to a three- year, $ 16 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, who designated first baseman Chris Carter for assignment after a 41- homer season that tied for the National League lead.

Thames, who hit a combined .348 with 124 homers and 379 RBI while spending the last three seasons in South Korea, will get $ 4 million next season, $ 5 million in 2018 and $ 6 million in 2019. The Brewers have a $ 7.5 million option for 2020 with a $ 1 million buyout.

The Brewers have 10 days to try to trade Carter, who had 94 RBI to go with his 41 homers but hit only .222 and struck out 206 times.

Pirates lefty LockeDFA’d

The Pittsburgh Pirates designated left- hander Jeff Locke for assignment, which means they have 10 days to trade him, release him or send him outright to the minor leagues.

Locke, 29, was 9- 8 with a career- high 5.44 ERA in 30 appearances, including 19 starts, this past season. He is 35- 38 with a 4.41 ERA in his career.

Porcello, Rendon honored

Boston Red Sox righthander Rick Porcello ( 22- 4, 3.15 ERA) was voted the American League comeback player of the year, andWashington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (. 270, 20 homers, 85 RBI) won the NL honor.

The awards are voted on by the 30 team beat writers from MLB. com.