Mets add hitting help, trade for Detroit's star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes

NEW YORK -- The Mets have acquired slugging outfielder Yoenis Cespedes from Detroit Friday in their strongest attempt yet to boost a punchless lineup that threatened to derail their postseason hopes.

Cespedes hit .293 with 18 home runs with 61 RBIs in 102 games with the Tigers this season. The Mets trail first-place Washington by three games in the NL East, but New York rank last in the major leagues in runs and batting average, and is 29th in on-base percentage and slugging.

The Mets sent minor league pitchers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa to Detroit. The Tigers decided to build for the future this week after winning the last four AL Central titles. They traded star left-hander David Price and closer Joakim Soria on Thursday.