Since outfielder Justin Upton’s signing with the Detroit Tigers Monday, Yoenis Cespedes has become the big name in the free agent outfielder market. With a number of teams rumored to have interest, his addition could change division rankings heading into the 2016 season. Cespedes will be looking to get somewhere in the ballpark of the six-year, $132 million contract Upton received, but the market for a contract of that size is small.
It’s no secret that Cespedes can hit. In 2015 he was ranked among the top ten of nine offensive categories, including extra-base hits (tied for third with 83), total bases (third with 343), hits (tied for seventh with 184), runs batted in (ninth with 105) and slugging percentage (tenth with .542). He’s also has good speed, but, mostly due to hitting in the middle of the lineup, doesn’t typically steal bases, having only swiped seven bags last season. His on-base percentage of .328 in 2015 isn’t as impressive, and having only walked 33 times is to blame.
On the defensive side, Cespedes is a perennial Gold Glove award candidate. He has a cannon for an arm and covers ground on an above-average level. Although his age will eventually affect his fielding, he fits better on an American League club with the designated hitter option, especially if he gets a deal of more than four years.
The X-factor is whether Cespedes will remain focused once he has a consistent paycheck. He’s a flashy player who doesn’t adhere to the humble rules of the game. He flips his bat routinely, doesn’t always hustle and drives a flame-throwing Lamborghini. While the latter doesn’t apply to baseball, it does represent the person he is, burning for attention in all aspects of his life. Whether a team can withstand a diva-like personality is worth looking into before handing the defected Cuban wads of cash.
One added benefit for clubs hoping to sign Cespedes is that he will not cost any team a draft pick, since he was traded from Detroit to the New York Mets last season.
The teams rumored to have the most interest in Cespedes are the Mets, Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Other teams of interest are the Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.
Here’s a look at what he could do for each of these teams:
Mets – Cespedes proved his worth to the team after coming over from Detroit at the trade deadline. Upon arrival, he hit for a .287 average with 17 home runs and 44 RBIs through 57 games. He admittedly loves New York and New York loves him back (unless he signs elsewhere, of course). Any boost on offense to help what looks like the best rotation in baseball could place the Mets back in World Series contention.
White Sox – Chicago finished ten games under .500 in 2015, and didn’t have a ton of positives offensively. No player hit for a .300 average, and only first baseman Jose Abreu had more than 20 home runs or 100 RBIs. However, Abreu, another Cuban defector, could provide Cespedes with some protection in the lineup, and the two could potentially drive the offense to a few more wins.
Astros – Cespedes could easily pad his career numbers at Minute Maid Park. The short porch in left field would only boost his power numbers, and no runner would try to advance on him playing what amounts to a deep third base. His addition, however, would mean trading away Carlos Gomez or George Springer to open an everyday spot in an already crowded outfield.
Angels – Having Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Cespedes in the same lineup should be illegal. The offensive upside is obvious. Whether manager Mike Scioscia would be willing to have a flamboyant player on his team is the bigger question. Finding the answer may not be worth the risk.
Nationals – Bryce Harper could use the protection Cespedes offers, but the team just picked up Ben Revere in a trade with Toronto. This seems an unlikely landing spot for Cespedes, meaning Washington really is just a rumor, or the team is driving the price higher for the Mets and Braves.
Braves – The Braves are interesting. Rumors are saying that Atlanta is ready to make an offer to Cespedes if he isn’t looking for a long-term deal. The Braves could easily make room for him in the outfield and the lineup is desperate for power. It makes total sense for Atlanta, but it’s hard to find a reason Cespedes would want to go to there with so many playoff-ready teams vying for his services.
Blue Jays – Does Toronto’s interest in Cespedes mean this season will be Jose Bautista’s last with the Blue Jays? The switch would be an excellent move for Toronto in 2017. With Cespedes, Bautista and Kevin Pillar, the Blue Jays potentially have baseball’s best outfield in 2016, and possibly the best lineup, too.
Orioles – Before re-signing first baseman Chris Davis to a seven year, $161 million contract Saturday, the O’s hadn’t made any substantial moves to gain ground in the always competitive American League East. Adding Cespedes could move the recently acquired Mark Trumbo to right field, or put him in a platoon role, while adding solid protection for Davis in the lineup. Cespedes probably doesn’t make the Orioles a contender, but he gives the team some hope.
Yankees – This appears to be a long shot, but it does make some sense. The Yankees need right-handed power, and the team is never shy about adding a star player. The addition of Cespedes would likely mean trading Brett Gardner, which shouldn’t be difficult. The fact that Cespedes could leave one New York team for another only makes this more interesting.
Scott Gonzales is a Staff Writer for Outside Pitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
/* 1/21/16, DF, Yes */?>
The post With so many hopeful suitors, where will Yoenis Cespedes play in 2016? appeared first on OutsidePitchMLB.