Last week it was reported that Cuban sensation Yoennis Cespedes was set to take his talents to the Dominican Winter League. While awaiting a decision regarding his residency and resulting MLB free agent status, Cespedes has joined the DWL’s Aguilas Cibaenas. From the time it was first announced many questioned the move, and Cespedes has thus far faced a rocky road in the Dominican Winter League.
Once his original ‘workout video’ hit YouTube, the enigma that is Yoennis Cespedes was unleashed. Week after week, rumors reported that Cespedes was nearing free agency or at least gaining residency in the Dominican Republic. Weeks have turned to months, and Cespedes has yet to hit the open market.
Still, this delay didn’t seem to hurt Cespedes. The Cuban native’s value continued to rise, as his projected contract escalated from original estimates of $30 million to double that and beyond. While some doubted the reality of these lofty figures, it’s true that you never know what will happen with a player once they hit the open market.
So, for these reasons, Cespedes’ decision to join the DWL surprised many around the sport. The question most were asking was what could Cespedes possibly do to increase his value?
On the other hand, in making his professional debut this winter, Cespedes risked losing millions of dollars.
At this point it’s still to be determined how a poor performance in the DWL will impact Cespedes and his future contract. What is known is that a poor performance is just what the 26-year-old has turned in thus far. Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com is reporting that, over his first five games, Cespedes has collected two hits, including one of the infield variety, and six strikeouts over his 19 at bats.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.
Tags: Yoenis Cespedes
Blaine joined the crew in April of 2011. He covers current news and notes from around the baseball world for Call to the Pen.
You can reach Blaine at 
Loading ...
Around the Foghorn
Birds Watcher
Blog Red Machine
BoSox Injection
Chicken Friars
Climbing Tal's Hill
Cubbies Crib
District on Deck
Halo Hangout
Jays Journal
Kings of Kauffman
Lasorda's Lair
Marlin Maniac
Motor City Bengals
Nolan Writin'
Puckett's Pond
Rays Colored Glasses
Redbird Rants
Reviewing the Brew
Rising Apple
Rox Pile
Rum Bunter
SoDo Mojo
Southside Showdown
Swingin' A's
That Balls Outta Here
Tomahawk Take
Venom Strikes
Wahoo's on First
Yanks Go Yard
[...] Yesterday we took a look at the impact playing in the Dominican Winter League might have on Yoennis Cespedes and his pending major league contract. This apparently hasn’t caused all teams to turn away from Cespedes, as it’s now being reported that the Chicago Cubs are the most serious suitors for the Cuban’s services. The Cubs are one of the many teams that have been tied to Cespedes this offseason including the Yankees, Phillies, Rangers, Blue Jays, White Sox, Marlins, Orioles, Tigers, Indians and Nationals. [...]
[...] It’s no secret that Yoennis Cespedes has struggled at the plate since joining the Dominican Winter League. While some have used this as reinforcement that Cespedes’s decision to join the DWL was a foolish one, Yoennis was able to show baseball fans a glimpse of the raw power scouts and analysts have been raving about this offseason. Cespedes was able to collect his first professional home run last night, and you can check out the power display here. In other Cespedes-related news, there’s rumors swirling regarding the degree of impact the Victor Martinez injury will have on the Detroit Tigers pursuit of the Cuban sensation. [...]