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Mets, Nationals Aren’t Alone In Pursuit Of Cespedes

By Jeff Todd | January 22, 2016 at 8:38pm CDT

9:40pm: Both New York and Washington are “operating under [the] assumption that other teams also are pursuing Cespedes,” Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports adds (links to Twitter). He notes that the chatter surrounding the Mets’ three-year offer may be luring other organizations into the mix (if they weren’t already) to pitch their own ideas based on such a concept.

As Rosenthal notes, the White Sox are one club that has already been reported to have interest at that level of commitment. I’d add that the Orioles remain a plausible suitor at a more limited contract length, and certainly it isn’t hard to imagine other clubs that could be intrigued by that idea.

8:43pm: The Astros do not appear to be a late entrant, MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart tweets.

8:38pm: The Mets and Nationals are not the only two clubs pursuing top remaining free agent Yoenis Cespedes, Jon Heyman reports on Twitter.

Reports recently have suggested that a signing could come in very short order, with those two teams appearing to be the finalists. Washington is said to have dangled a five-year offer with a value approaching, if not exceeding, $100MM. New York, on the other hand, was set to meet with Cespedes’s reps today in hopes of selling him on three-year scenario of some kind.

But a mystery team (or teams) appear to be altering the equation as the star outfielder nears his decision. It’s not known which late entrants are shaking up the market for the veteran Cuban slugger, but neither is it difficult to guess at some of the possibilities. In fact, Steve Adams and I broke down no fewer than a dozen possibilities just yesterday in the latest episode of the MLBTR Podcast.

As I wrote back in early December, there was never a clear favorite for Cespedes, but it always seemed there’d be a wide array of interest. After all, he’s only thirty and is coming off of a monster 2015 campaign. While there are certainly some major question marks — in particular, the fact that his 2013-14 work fell far shy of his efforts in the seasons before and after — there’s no ignoring his ceiling.

Most of the clubs noted in that post are still plausible suitors. It’s probably safe to scratch off the Tigers, but clubs such as the Angels, Giants, Cardinals, Orioles, and White Sox all still seem plausible to varying degrees. The Padres have been said to be lurking, too, and so have the Braves — though Atlanta, at least, has always seemed to be on hand in case of a bargain.

And it would be foolish to rule out organizations like the Rangers — if not even the Red Sox or Yankees — when a premium talent is on the board. Really, only a handful of organizations appear to be wildly implausible pursuers. There are always ways to deal with perceived logjams, after all, and Cespedes represents the last open-market opportunity to add a potential superstar.

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New York Mets Washington Nationals Mystery Team Yoenis Cespedes

Mets Avoid Arbitration With Lucas Duda, Jenrry Mejia
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90 Comments

  1. jabmets

    9 years ago

    Dammit come on mets give him 4 years with opt outs at years 2 and 3. 100 million dollars.

    Reply
    • mlb_91

      9 years ago

      COMMON WHITE SOX SIGN HIM ALREADY !!!

      Reply
  2. Halo27

    9 years ago

    C’mon Halos!!!

    Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      9 years ago

      this is where the angels need to step in, Arte needs to open his wallet

      Reply
      • McConaughey'sLincoln

        9 years ago

        Yep. I’m cautiously optimistic the Angels are in the mix

        Reply
        • Philliesfan4life

          9 years ago

          Arte should read social media and listen to the fans

          Reply
        • nymlagares

          9 years ago

          Or the fans need to realize he’s not going over the luxury tax limit. Honestly, I can’t blame him because it’s hard to reduce payroll and then your tax cost increases

          Reply
        • Philliesfan4life

          9 years ago

          Arte messed up after he signed Hamilton

          Reply
        • Diablo 2

          9 years ago

          And he will mess up again if he signs Cespy.

          Reply
        • nymlagares

          9 years ago

          Depends how long though. I think the Nationals offer is too much at 5 years. I think the Mets and the WhiteSox seemingly sticking to 3 years is fair. But again, the Angels don’t look to be willing to go over the luxury tax limit

          Reply
        • timyanks

          9 years ago

          messed up by signing that stank eye pujols, but that’s o.k. i’m glad he did.

          Reply
        • kingfelix34

          9 years ago

          angels are too afraid to sign any one decent now, anyways he just signed with the mets

          Reply
        • Diablo 2

          9 years ago

          Afraid? Angels are finally got smart to sign anyone to a big contract. Arte finally learned that old and big money is not a good result. Better to save this money for the free agent class of 2018.

          Reply
  3. Michael Macaulay-Birks

    9 years ago

    Yankees and angels

    Reply
  4. bobbleheadguru

    9 years ago

    Upton is better. According the the Tigers analytics staff. Otherwise Cespedes would have accepted Upton’s contract.

    Reply
    • aidenr

      9 years ago

      Upton is younger, not better.

      Reply
      • bruinsfan94 2

        9 years ago

        I’d rather have Upton. Younger and more upside. That contract was great for the Tigers. I’m not a Tigers fan but they got two steals this offseason. When you have one of the best hitters in baseball its hard not to take one more push.

        Reply
  5. bruinsfan94 2

    9 years ago

    Calling Red Sox. John Henry taking no chances.

    Reply
    • User 4245925809

      9 years ago

      No, Gordon was the only OF other than the obvious Heyward in this years crop willing to give a contract to. Upton and Cespedes especially are too scary. Heyward it was obvious from the start would get over paid and Gordon they missed their chance on by letting KC swoop in with a team friendly deal early.. Shame, he would have been sweet in Fenway’s huge RF on a 5/100m deal.

      Reply
      • foc44

        9 years ago

        After the Hanley signing and subsequent outfield experiment, I fail to see how adding Upton or Cespedes would seem scary.

        Reply
    • nymlagares

      9 years ago

      with the way they handled Cespedes already, I highly doubt they even slightly considered Cespedes

      Reply
  6. Philliesfan4life

    9 years ago

    If the mets lose out on cespedes , should they just trade one of their aces to get the big bat they need?

    Reply
    • Diablo 2

      9 years ago

      Mets dont even need to trade one of their aces to get the bat they need. They should trade Wheeler or Matz. both of thosr guys can get them some talented bats in return.

      Reply
    • nymlagares

      9 years ago

      they’re not gonna break up what could be the best rotation in the history of the game.

      Reply
  7. Dave4585

    9 years ago

    Cespedes stats are on a different level than Upton. The only advantage Upton has is being younger.

    .291 35 105 and able to play CF vs

    .251 26 81

    Reply
  8. Blessyouboys

    9 years ago

    The Blue Jays need a bat to replace Joey Bats!

    Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      9 years ago

      I don’t think they let Bautista walk

      Reply
      • Diablo 2

        9 years ago

        They should because Jose will be 36. Cespy would be a perfect replacement.

        Reply
  9. cards1

    9 years ago

    Really going out on a limb there Jon. Lol.

    Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      9 years ago

      He could be happy with the options he has who knows, I thought they would of made a run at Davis

      Reply
      • cards1

        9 years ago

        Was referring to Heyman’s report. Mozeliak is fine to not go after the chainsmoker.

        Reply
  10. RedFeather

    9 years ago

    Im willing to bet there are three other teams kicking the tires. White Sox,, Red Sox, and Cardinals.. With the idea of the DH coming to the NL somewhat soon.

    Reply
    • RedFeather

      9 years ago

      I’ll throw in the Marlins with a high annual average and an opt out every year for 6 six years.. Cuban player and it sounds like the Marlins MO

      Reply
    • EndinStealth

      9 years ago

      Unfortunately I don’t think the Cardinals are in on this. He’d be a great fit but just don’t think they’ll pull the trigger.

      Reply
      • RedFeather

        9 years ago

        Honestly if I we MO (and I know he is not a player in the Opt Out Clause).. I would offer him a 6 year deal at $130. $25 million per year for the first 3 years with an opt out on the 2nd to 3rd year. Then forth year at $21 million, Fifth year 20 million and the sixth year at 14 million with a 14 million option for a 7th year (deferred 2-3 million after the 5th year). This would allow they to get the prime years at 25 million and allow him to walk after 3 years if necessary. Essentially a 3 year 75 million contract.

        Reply
        • RedFeather

          9 years ago

          And if the DH comes into play y then they could consider resign him. I.N.

          Reply
  11. Dave4585

    9 years ago

    Upton is not better…he’s younger and that’s about it. Cespedes is a better hitter,fielder,base runner

    .291 35 105 or .251 26 81? Which one looks better?

    Reply
  12. Flipjunior89

    9 years ago

    Cubs done! Make it happen!

    Heyward, solar and cespedes

    Schwarber as catcher, trade montero

    Reply
    • RedFeather

      9 years ago

      Andddd you’re dreaming….

      Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      9 years ago

      the only thing I see the cubs adding is pitching

      Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      9 years ago

      Stop it!

      The Cubs don’t need Yoenis Cespedes, his salary, his cigarette breaks or most importantly…Kyle Schwarber as their starting catcher!

      They already have a better all around outfielder in Jason Heyward, a better hitter in Kyle Schwarber manning LF and a Cuban OF with more upside who is 6-1/2 years younger and way cheaper in Jorge Soler,

      Reply
  13. BigB

    9 years ago

    Hopefully, white sox will finally step up and not act like a small market team.

    Reply
  14. Michael Macaulay-Birks

    9 years ago

    I’m betting Yankees, Detroit and Anaheim

    Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      9 years ago

      the yankees don’t have a chance, unless they trade gardner but I don’t see them getting cespedes, they are waiting till 2018 to get Harper imo.

      Reply
      • Aaron Sapoznik

        9 years ago

        Bryce Harper will be going home to play with MLB’s newest expansion team in Las Vegas come 2018…you can bet on it! (lol)

        Reply
      • Michael Macaulay-Birks

        9 years ago

        Yeah I agree with you and I wouldn’t trade Gardner maybe they can eat half of Elsberry salary

        Reply
  15. coachb123

    9 years ago

    Braves

    Reply
  16. dsierra1019

    9 years ago

    cmmon Loria, trade Ozuna and sign Cespedes….

    Reply
  17. jljr222

    9 years ago

    I won’t believe it’s the Yankees until they sign him basically. I just cannot see it, but if it happens I’m interested in the Twitter reactions.

    Reply
  18. edcarboy

    9 years ago

    As much as I think these teams are front runners, how about the Marlins? They’ve been looking for starting pitching, and if they sign Cespedes they can trade an outfielder (most likely Ozuna) for a pitcher. Although this will be a good scenario for the fish, I don’t see their budget going into a range Cespedes will like.

    Reply
  19. cardfan2011

    9 years ago

    If only St. Louis would make a decent offer lol.

    Reply
    • RedFeather

      9 years ago

      They could very well offer a 6-7 year deal knowing that the DH will eventually be in the NL. 6 years 132 million with and opt out in 2018 & 2019 (back loaded contract) since he could techinally walk to any team in the majors once they all have DH by 2019.

      Reply
      • Philliesfan4life

        9 years ago

        How about the Diamondbacks?

        Reply
        • RedFeather

          9 years ago

          I think the D-Backs are happy with the upgrades and have prob spent more money then they should. But who knows no a days.

          Reply
        • Philliesfan4life

          9 years ago

          they could use another bat in that line up

          Reply
  20. coachb123

    9 years ago

    Braves have been hiding in the shadows.

    Reply
  21. smelliott00

    9 years ago

    Jeff, any ideas on who this could be? I know we’ve got some spots based off of needs, but are you hearing anything?

    Reply
  22. Browntown

    9 years ago

    Great, so my Padres were monitoring the situation and now we are lurking. The joy of a small market team! Preller must have gotten spanked last year from ownership. There is nothing going on in friarville.

    Reply
    • Jorge Soler Powered

      9 years ago

      Just about every move he made hurt them. Its besr he did nothing.

      Reply
  23. smelliott00

    9 years ago

    Jeff, any idea who this mystery team could be? I know we’ve got ideas based off of team needs, but are you hearing anything?

    Reply
  24. Philliesfan4life

    9 years ago

    The Diamondbacks could be a real dark horse

    Reply
    • nymlagares

      9 years ago

      their outfield is already pretty good. Also, that’s a lot of many to dish out to FAs in one offseason with Greinke there too

      Reply
  25. smelliott00

    9 years ago

    Jeff, any idea who this “mystery team” could be? I know we’ve got some ideas based off of recent activity and needs, but are you hearing anything?

    Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      9 years ago

      If the mets don’t sign him, watch it be a team that nobody expects. like the white sox or maybe the diamondbacks

      Reply
      • Cachhubguy

        9 years ago

        Why would the White Sox be unexpected? They have been interested since the start. I know they said they wouldn’t go more than 3 years but they wouldn’t be a mystery team.

        Reply
        • Philliesfan4life

          9 years ago

          If Hahn goes over 3 years then i can see the white sox getting him.

          Reply
      • RedFeather

        9 years ago

        Marlins..

        Reply
  26. Soxbeatcubs

    9 years ago

    He’s going to sign with the White Sox. They have Sale and Abreu in their prime, Quintana and Rodon are really good, and they’ve upgraded already with Frazier and Lawrie. An impact bat, plus those additions will only bolster last years worst offense in baseball. That Sale/Abreu/Quintana/Eaton window is wide open.

    Reply
  27. Soxbeatcubs

    9 years ago

    It’s going to be the White Sox. The Sale/Quintana/Abreu/Eaton window is wide open. The addition of Frazier and Lawrie show the Sox aren’t just adding to play out the schedule. Good bullpen. An impact bat now would be Monster

    Reply
  28. Fg-3

    9 years ago

    It’s the yanks!! It’s gonna be a great year!

    Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      9 years ago

      thats not gonna happen , they would have to trade gardner and they would want young pitching in return. I think they gear up and get harper in 2018

      Reply
      • Diablo 2

        9 years ago

        Wouldn’t be hard to trade Brett for pitching. Rumor has it that theirs a trade involving Gardner and Andrew Heaney. Which I highly dislike but lets hope Billy Eppler isn’t stupid.

        Reply
      • michaelw

        9 years ago

        No ones getting Harper. You guys are smoking crack. Harper will have such an extension on him, before the season even is close. ;Like 2017 lol Wash sell the White house before letting him go at any cost.

        Reply
        • Diablo 2

          9 years ago

          What?

          Reply
  29. smelliott00

    9 years ago

    Jeff, any idea who this “mystery team” could be? I know we’ve got some ideas based off of recent activity and needs, but are you hearing anything? —

    Reply
  30. southsidesox15

    9 years ago

    I doubt it will happen but I’d love for Hahn to announce that he just signed Cespedes this weekend at Soxfest.

    Reply
    • Cachhubguy

      9 years ago

      Soxfest is next weekend.

      Reply
      • Aaron Sapoznik

        9 years ago

        Yes, The White Sox have annually held Soxfest during the off-weekend between the NFL conference championship games and the Super Bowl.

        Reply
  31. CFish96

    9 years ago

    I will be very disappointed if the White Sox don’t at least offer a decent offer worthy of consideration.

    Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      9 years ago

      I won’t be if they can actually trade for a better outfield and batting order fit, say left-handed hitting RF Carlos Gonzales, without sacrificing a significant 2016 roster piece or any of their top 3 prospects that include SS Tim Anderson and right-handed pitchers Carson Fulmer and Spencer Adams.

      I would also be OK with the White Sox taking the Yoenis Cespedes dollars and allocating them for multiple 2016 needs, perhaps signing switch-hitting FA outfielder Dexter Fowler AND shortstop Ian Desmond for comparable dollars OR maybe even one of those two paired with right-handed starting pitcher Yovanni Gallardo to help balance out a left-handed heavy starting rotation.

      Many other trade opportunities may exist that could be more beneficial than simply landing Cespedes with a huge contract. The only thing I do not want to see happen is for the White Sox to stand pat between now and opening day without making at least one more significant upgrade that would allow them to be more competitive with their rivals in a very competitive A.L. Central division.

      Reply
  32. captainballz

    9 years ago

    White Sox really missed the boat on this one…. One player that could’ve filled so many needs in the OF and lineup…

    Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      9 years ago

      Yoenis Cespedes is only one player, so he could only fill one need in the OF and one in the batting order. (lol)

      Reply
      • captainballz

        9 years ago

        I said “needs”…not positions, dipsh*t.

        We had a COLLECTIVE OF war last year of 3.2 last year out of 7 guys.

        And Trayce Thompson was the 2nd best. (lol)

        Reply
      • captainballz

        9 years ago

        Or put another way – Sox were pretty much dead last as a group in just about every metric available in offensive and defensive OF metrics. Cespedes, in your lineup, changes alot of those MANY things. Defensive runs, protecting hitters, his career RISP #s are fantastic, etc. Get it now (lol)?

        Reply
  33. ryan211

    9 years ago

    So is this where the Yankees’ payroll discipline finally breaks down? I know they have 4 OFers already, but they’ve reportedly been trying to trade one (Gardner) and the other two (Ellsbury and Beltran) are hardly locks to play 162 games.

    Reply
  34. bleumagicc

    9 years ago

    Any team but the Angels or White sox plz…

    Reply
  35. captainballz

    9 years ago

    I still think the Angels are in this.

    Reply
  36. michaelw

    9 years ago

    How about – I LUV NY every F%$# OFF I LOVE NY! F*&^ YOU! F&^% YOU TOO LOL

    Its the Mets boys where really he belonged!

    Reply
  37. michaelw

    9 years ago

    The Sox should trade Frasier and Sales to the Cubs so we can at least secure a WS in the Chicago. Come on Sox your not going no where take one for the city and make the trade lmao. =) lol JK

    Reply
  38. michaelw

    9 years ago

    I was on that pipe dram to. Ces/Heyard/Soler but I went one more and got greedy with a trade with the Rox for Cargo or Blackmon lol. We still keep Swarb to DH and PH and Soler they don’t outfielder just pitching and 2nd baseman and we have plenty of them to offer.
    LOL

    Really the SOX need to take one for the city of Chicago. There suck and arent going no where with KC n Det so why not take one for the City and trade Sales and Frasier to us. That way KB can DH LMAO Now that being GREDDY BOYS LMAO I’m JK before someone calls me an idiot lol. Never happen anyway lol but be cool. Maybe if the Sox like are 20 and 62 by all star break lmao

    Reply

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