Matt Ehalt

Staff Writer, @MattEhalt

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. –On a local golf course last week, Yoenis Cespedes and Terry Collins fit in their first tee time since the manager and All-Star left fielder became acquainted in July of 2015.

Cespedes showcased his powerful swing and yes, there was plenty of time spent looking for wayward balls as they played with a foursome that included Mets COO Jeff Wilpon and one of his friends.

In those quiet moments on the course, Cespedes and Collins veered from conversing about baseball. They talked mostly about golf, and it struck Collins how relaxed Cespedes is now after signing his mega contract.

“He’s at ease,” Collins said. “He’s in the best frame of mind since he first got here.”

Mets prospect Dom Smith shapes up for future

Klapisch: Pitching expert says Syndergaard at risk

Outfield an emergency option for Mets' Jose Reyes

After signing a four-year, $110-million deal to remain this offseason, Cespedes is peaceful knowing he has long-term security, and the Mets are hopeful it will translate to another outstanding campaign. Cespedes has shown devotion to attending team workouts, and thus far has played it low key by arriving Saturday in a white truck instead of a fancy sports car like he did in 2016.

“Having that (security) really gives me a sense of calm knowing that no longer I’m year to year,” Cespedes said Saturday morning through a translator. “My home is here with the Mets for the next four years and it gives me some tranquility and I’m able to prepare and focus better.”

Cespedes has embraced New York and what being a superstar in that city means since arriving, yet there has always been a little uncertainty on his part since he never knew if it would be an extended stay.

His trade to the Mets in 2015 marked the third time he had been dealt since 2014, and he has been a free agent after each of the previous two season.

Cespedes clearly wanted to be with the Mets this past offseason, and the two sides wasted little time to agree to a deal. Collins admitted there was some worry about whether a long-term deal could backfire, but Cespedes has since shown a renewed focus that has wowed those who have been around him this offseason.

“I told a couple of the other coaches this is either going to be really, really good for us or really, really bad,’ Collins said. “I said ‘I’ll bet you this guy is going to take this and run with it because for the first time in his career he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder and say where am I going to be tomorrow?’

“He’s bound and determined to have a huge year. He know he’s now the guy on this team and he’s going to run with it.”

Collins said Cespedes has attended workouts at the team's facility three times per week since re-signing, has cut down on his golf playing, and added that Cespedes is in better shape than he was at this time last year. Cespedes said the workouts --led by team strength and conditioning coach Mike Barwis -- focused on his legs after he battled a balky quad last year that landed him on the disabled list.

Cespedes also gave no indication he plans to have a daily car show like he did at times last camp, although he owns more horses if he plans to show up to camp riding one.

“My focus was never not on baseball last year with the cars. That was just something off the field,” Cespedes said. “The second I was on the field that focus was always on baseball and that’s what it continues to do.”

Cespedes will once again be counted on this season to be the star in the Mets lineup, and the team will look to improve upon its 110-79 record when he's in the lineup. Cespedes even became a more dangerous hitter last year as he was more patient and walked a career-high 51 times.

With the comfort of long-term security, the Mets don’t expect Cespedes to slow down.

“What every ball player wants to ultimately get is that World Series,” Cespedes said. "As long as we stay healthy with this team, we have a really great chance of achieving that.”