Boston Red Sox could make Yoenis Cespedes available

Upon their acquistion of Yoenis Cespedes at this past July’s trade deadline, the belief was that one reason why he’d appealed to the Boston Red Sox was the fact that the team would have him under contract for the 2015 season. The team was backed into dealing their longtime staff ace in Jon Lester over their inability to sign him to a contract extension and with free agency looming the organization was applauded for getting back a player of Cespedes’ caliber who wasn’t simply a rental.

Now that the 2014 season has come to an end, it appears that Boston’s plans for Cespedes may have started to shift. The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo noted Sunday that the perception is that the team could make him available via trade this offseason.

"Word is spreading that the Red Sox could make Cespedes available. He will earn $10.2 million in the final year of his deal. Cespedes said late in the season that he wasn’t sure whether he’d engage in long-term talks with the Red Sox. Couple that with his desire not to play right field or work on his defense, and that could make him a trade candidate as the Red Sox try to pare their outfield depth and possibly make room for Mookie Betts or add a left-handed hitter."

Cespedes batted a collective .260/.301/.450 on the season in 600 plate appearances. It’d mark his third straight 20+ home run campaign, he’d add 36 doubles, and drive in a career-best 100 runs. Defensively he was among the league leaders with 16 outfield assists.

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What’s curious about Cafardo’s report is the change of direction that the organization appears to have taken. Initially the focus landed on the potentially superior defensive outfield that the team could head into 2015 with – a mix that included Cespedes in left field, Jackie Bradley Jr. in center, and Shane Victorino in right. By season’s end Bradley had been reduced to a reserve role, Betts had emerged as a true offensive threat, Rusney Castillo was signed, and Cespedes seemingly struggled to handle playing defense everyday in front of the Green Monster. Speculation shifted towards Victorino being the likely trade candidate at season’s end.

Concerns have since developed. Cespedes, with his cannon for an arm, seems better suited for right field at Fenway but has been resistant to such a move. Victorino, however, was a Gold Glove winner handling the position prior to missing most of this past season. Injuries limited him to just 30 games on the year, batting .268/.303/.382 in 133 PA. He’s slated to earn $13 million in 2015, the final year on his contract.

While Victorino’s veteran presence certainly offers up some value, Cespedes may likely be the more appealing candidate for opposing teams. He’s younger, offers far more power potential at the plate, and likely carries more upside long-term. Ultimately he’ll likely cost more to re-sign following the 2015 season, but he’s the more cost-effective option for this next season.

Both players could draw some interest on the open market this offseason, should Boston actually make them available.