Report: Yankees not involved in Cespedes sweepstakes

Don't expect to see Yoenis Cespedes in pinstripes next season.

According to Christian Red of the New York Daily News, the slugger, who opted out of his three-year, $75-million deal with the New York Mets, is not part of the New York Yankees' offseason spending plans.

Instead, the Yankees plan on focusing on three main areas of importance: Reacquiring Aroldis Chapman, acquiring a starting pitcher, and bringing in a designated hitter.

Cespedes is reportedly seeking a deal in the five-year range, worth approximately $125 to $135 million. With Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Aaron Judge in the outfield, plus blue-chip prospects Clint Frazier and Jorge Mateo hanging in the wings, that price is far too high for a DH-only type player.

Cashman seems to be more interested in the services of Mike Napoli, Edwin Encarnacion, and potentially Carlos Beltran.

"I would not rule out (bringing Beltran back)," Cashman said last week. "I've talked to Beltran's agent. If you name any player, I'll probably say I've talked to him. Carlos did a great job for us. Tremendous performer this year and a leader. Despite his age, he's still productive."

New York traded Beltran to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline, and while he'd be strictly a DH, Gary Sanchez could see time as well to ease his catching load, but still keep his bat in the lineup.