Rumors: Washington Nationals Interested In Signing Yoenis Cespedes
By Ricky Keeler
The Washington Nationals are reportedly interested in adding former Met outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on a short-term deal.
Even though the Washington Nationals added Ben Revere to their outfield in the Drew Storen deal to the Toronto Blue Jays, it still doesn’t mean they won’t add another player to their outfield. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Nats are one of the teams interested in signing Yoenis Cespedes and they were interested in signing Justin Upton, but Upton is no longer a free agent:
The Washington #Nats and Houston #Astros, each who had expressed interest in Justin Upton, may now turn their attention to Yoenis Cespedes.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 19, 2016
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Last night, the Detroit Tigers and Upton agreed to six-year deal worth $132.75 million and it includes an opt-out after two years. James Wagner of the Washington Post tweeted earlier today that the Nats were interested in signing Upton only if it was a short-term deal:
Nats had checked in recently on Justin Upton, per sources. Were interested in a shorter-term deal. Upton got 6 yrs/$132.75M from Detroit.
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) January 19, 2016
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It would have been tough for the Nationals to find a spot for Upton since he has only played right and left field in his career, which are currently occupied by Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth respectively. However, I think Cespedes would be a better fit for the Nats than Upton would have because he has experience playing center field. He played center field in 40 games for the New York Mets in 2015.
Last season, Cespedes had a slash line 291/.328/.542 in 159 games with 35 home runs and 105 RBI’s for the Detroit Tigers and the Mets. He was the player that helped boost the Mets’ offense in the second half of the season, leading them to the National League pennant. Against the Nats, the 30-year-old hit .321 with two home runs and seven RBI’s in 28 at-bats.
Even though the Nationals would not have to give up a draft pick if they signed Cespedes, it doesn’t sound as if they are going to land the outfielder. According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago, the White Sox, Mets, Angels, Braves, and Astros are the finalists to sign Cespedes.
Even though Cespedes would add another great offensive player to the lineup, the Nats would have a logjam of outfielders if they signed him, unless they were to trade Michael Taylor. Plus, if Cespedes were taking a short-term deal, I think he would more than likely stay with the Mets if the short-term offers were close. In the end, I do think Cespedes will end up agreeing to a long-term deal with an opt-out with whichever team he signs with.