Yoenis Cespedes Rumors: Cespedes Nearing Free Agency
It looks like the Yoennis Cespedes sweepstakes are set to take off, as it’s now being reported the Cuban native is only two weeks away from hitting the open market. Joe Frisaro of MLB.com is reporting that Cespedes “is expected to become a free agent” in the next 10 days. The Marlins, Tigers, Yankees, Cubs, White Sox and Red Sox are all reported to be in on Cespedes.
Frisaro is reporting that January 15th is the “tentative day that Cespedes will establish residency in the Dominican Republic”. At this point, Cespedes will be able to petition Major League Baseball for free agent status.
Still, Frisaro notes that this “date isn’t etched in stone”, as it has been reported several other times that Cespedes was nearing residency in the DR.
This delay hasn’t curtailed the Cespedes rumor mill. Several scouting videos have been released showing off Cespedes’ physical abilities and highlight reel moments. Scouts have said the 26-year-old possesses 30-30 potential and may be able to maintain a batting average of .300 at the major league level.
All of this coupled with the fact that Cespedes is listed as a center fielder has caused the Cuban native’s price tag to rise significantly over the past several months.
Cespedes and his representation were originally reported to be seeking a contract in the Aroldis Chapman range ($30 million). This number rose steadily to a high of $60 million over eight years.
However, Frisaro hears that several teams have “backed away from that number”. A source told Frisaro that more realistic offers for Cespedes figure to be in the four-year, $32 million range.
Not only would this be a more reasonable contract for MLB clubs, but it would also allow Cespedes to potentially return to the free agent market as a 30-year-old.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.