International Prospects: Yoelkis Céspedes to declare free agency on March 18
By Yusseff Diaz
One of the most highly sought after international prospects Yoelkis Cespedes is set to declare free agency later this month. Here’s what we know.
HIALEAH,FL– According to a report by MLB.COM‘s Jesse Sánchez, expect one of the more highly touted international prospects, Cuban outfielder Yoelkis Cespedes to be declared a free agent on March 18 of this year.
The 22-year-old Céspedes has a showcase for MLB teams in the middle of the month and sources tell me that teams are lining up to sign the native of Granma, Cuba. These showcases are to be held in Florida and Arizona, but there is no exact date as of right now.
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The young slugger has been a member of the Cuban National Team for quite some time now and has seen action in international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic and the Caribbean World Series.
Céspedes decided to defect last year in June during Cuba’s incursion in the Can-Am League and has been training in the Bahamas ever since.
Yoelkis is considered a five-tool talent by many scouts and a top tier talent for this year’s July 2nd international class.
The older Céspedes is serving as a mentor for his younger brother and helping him in his transition from amateur to professional baseball.
On the bases, he has above-average speed, covering a lot of ground in the outfield and has a solid arm. In the batter’s box, he is a line-drive hitter with plenty of power, but contact has been in issue especially with breaking pitches. But I’m sure whoever signs him will correct that.
Since he left the island Yoelkis Cespedes has added 20 pounds of muscle and reminds many of his brother Yoenis Cespedes at a similar age. Many have projected that his time in the minors might be a brief one based on his physical maturity and the level of competition he has faced.
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Sources tell me that the Chicago White Sox, who are a major player in international prospects out of Cuba have a great interest in the toolsy outfielder.