Washington Nationals News: Should the Nats pursue Yoenis Cespedes?
By Pablo Roa
Today’s District Daily features stories on why the Washington Nationals should pursue Yoenis Cespedes and more on new reliever Shawn Kelley.
Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around below.
In today’s Daily, Jesse Nadelman of Rant Sports discusses why he believes the Nationals should pursue free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Cespedes — who played a key role in leading the rival New York Mets to the World Series last season — is one of the most valuable bats remaining on the open market.
Earlier this week, we wrote about the Nationals’ need for an outfielder with uncertainties surrounding Jayson Werth‘s health and the effectiveness of Michael Taylor in the lineup. The team has been linked to rumors involving several high-profile outfielders, and reportedly offered Jayson Heyward a $200 million deal earlier this offseason. Heyward ultimately signed with the Cubs.
While the Nationals already addressed arguably their biggest need earlier this week with Daniel Murphy, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Nationals signed an outfielder too — and it may very well be Cespedes.
More from District on Deck
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Minor League Spotlight: Robert Hassell III
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
Right now, however, it doesn’t look like the Nationals are heavily pursuing the 30-year-old outfielder.
According to a tweet from Jesse Sanchez, the teams currently after Cespedes are the White Sox and the Orioles, with the Angels and Giants possibly in the mix as well:
Yoenis Cespedes market taking shape. Source: CWS & BAL emerging as leaders for now. LAA & SFG also in the mix with TX monitoring situation.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) December 29, 2015
While it doesn’t look like the Nationals are in on Cespedes right now, this has been an offseason full of surprises and anything could happen. One thing’s for sure, it’s not likely that the Nationals are done making moves this offseason.
Also in today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes discusses new Nationals reliever Shawn Kelley — and his giant, rubber horse head mask.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Washington Nationals Should Pursue Yoenis Cespedes
The Washington Nationals are in ‘win-now’ mode, but are clearly a step behind the New York Mets in the NL East in 2016 — even after the Mets decided to be cheap and not spend money to improve their roster this winter. With the Mets’ outstanding pitching staff, Washington will need as much offense they can get even after signing Daniel Murphy last week.
So, what should they do? Sign the Mets’ 2015 hero, All-Star outfielderYoenis Cespedes. Read full article here.
Shawn Kelley brings his horse head — and experience — to Nationals bullpen
(Chelsea Janes,Washington Post)
Shawn Kelley wouldn’t say much about that rubber horse head mask, just that it’s not retired yet, and could certainly reappear.
“I will not comment any further,” Kelley said.
Milliseconds later a smile slid across his face, discrediting feigned seriousness and indicating that this new-look Nationals bullpen may still have plenty of personality. Read full article here.