Mets trade for Yoenis Cespedes

The Mets capped a tumultuous week with a last-minute trade Friday, acquiring slugger Yoenis Cespedes from the Tigers for highly regarded minor-league pitchers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa.

The deal was agreed upon at 3:47 p.m., general manager Sandy Alderson said, though it wasn't fully processed until just before the 4 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline.

The move wiped away the bitterness of the failed attempt to trade for Carlos Gomez on Wednesday and signaled the Mets' intent to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2006. It instantly adds much-needed pop to an offense that had hindered the Mets' chances of contending despite one of the game's most dynamic pitching staffs.

"It does reflect the fact that we believe we're in a position to compete through the rest of the season for a playoff spot,'' Alderson said. "And we're going to do everything we can to ensure that competitive level.''

Cespedes, 29, brings a rare blend of power at the plate and on the marquee. In 2013, the Cuban star put on a memorable display to win the Home Run Derby at Citi Field.

"This is the kind of player that could have a big impact both in terms of the game on the field and how the team is perceived,'' said Alderson, whose Mets (52-50) began the day three games behind the Nationals, with a chance to gain ground during a critical weekend series against Washington at Citi Field.

Cespedes hit .293 with 18 homers and 61 RBIs with the Tigers. He ranks as one of the game's better defensive leftfielders, thanks in part to his powerful throwing arm.

The addition of Cespedes will diminish Michael Cuddyer's playing time once he returns from the disabled list. The move also could mean a demotion for top prospect Michael Conforto.

The deal came together too late for Cespedes to be available Friday night but he is expected to be in uniform Saturday night. The Mets will pick up the remaining $3.8 million on his contract.

"He's a very dynamic player,'' Alderson said. "He's a solid defender, excellent arm, very athletic, obviously power and hitting for average this year. We think he's going to impact us in a number of different ways.''

Cespedes wasn't on the Mets' radar until Wednesday, when a deal with the Brewers for Gomez fell apart because of the Mets' concerns about a hip issue. Reports painted the Mets' concerns as being more financial, which Alderson called "a total fabrication, period.''

As the deadline drew near, the Mets still were working on potential trades for other players. Meanwhile, the Tigers had held out for an elite prospect, according to a rival executive. In the Mets' case, that proved to be Fulmer. Only when they finally relented and included Fulmer in the deal did talks gain traction.

"We consider Fulmer a real premium-type guy,'' Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski told reporters in Baltimore.

Fulmer, 22, was 6-2 with a 1.88 ERA for Double-A Binghamton. He has a 95-mph fastball and one talent evaluator called him a future mid-rotation starter who isn't far removed from reaching the majors.

His stock rose among scouts after he overcame health issues earlier in his career.

Cessa, 23, was 0-3 with an 8.51 ERA after a recent promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas after going 7-4 with a 2.56 ERA for Binghamton.

Both had been identified by rival scouts and executives as prime trade chips for the Mets.

In the last week, the Mets traded for setup man Tyler Clippard and infielders Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson. The moves cost the Mets five prospects and $8.6 million in salary, prompting Alderson to thank ownership for the financial flexibility.

"Overall,'' he said, "we have to be pleased where we are.''