Handicapping 5 landing spots for Cespedes
The slow-to-develop market for Yoenis Cespedes may have just got the pick-me-up it needed.
Baltimore's reported deal with Chris Davis - the largest in franchise history - leaves Cespedes and Justin Upton as the two undisputed sluggers still available in free agency. It's been assumed both outfielders would land $100-million contracts this winter, but to this point the market has been reluctant to pay the pair for more than a short-term deal.
The Orioles were among those to express interest in Cespedes, but after re-signing Davis, it's unclear where they stand. Could they join the Mets as possible short-term suitors? How about the White Sox, who have been linked to the Cuban slugger all offseason? Might there be a darkhorse candidate?
Here's a look at five possible landing spots for Cespedes:
Chicago White Sox
Why they should sign him: There was only one AL outfield with fewer WAR than the White Sox last year, and they've done nothing to this point to improve it. There are more pros than cons for a White Sox-Cespedes marriage, the least of which include fellow Cuban Jose Abreu and the U.S. Cellular Field launching pad. But the biggest reasons start with Melky and Avisail, and end in Cabrera and Garcia.
Why they won't sign him: With $29 million still committed to Cabrera, and nearly a third of their lineup already upgraded from a year ago, it sounds like the White Sox aren't keen on the six-year deal Cespedes reportedly covets. They might be improved enough to make noise in the Central, and that might be enough to sit these sweepstakes out.
Scale of 1-to-10 he signs: 8
New York Mets
Why they should sign him: The Mets' offense was a different animal after it acquired Cespedes, and Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera won't replace that production. The big-market Mets have a modest $106 million invested into next year's roster, so the room is presumably there to complement their elite starting pitching.
Why they won't sign him: Any deal longer than three years - especially if it's back-loaded - could affect some big decisions the Mets have to make later this decade. With Matt Harvey among several cornerstones due for free agency in a few years, paying an aging slugger might not be good business.
Scale of 1-to-10 he signs: 6
Detroit Tigers
Why they should sign him: After improving their rotation and bullpen this offseason, the Tigers have rebooted themselves back into contention for 2016. However, the club still hasn't addressed its offense much after just three Tigers hit more than 15 home runs last year. One of those players happened to be Cespedes, who's been linked to his temporary stomping grounds ever since smashing 18 homers in 102 games.
Why they won't sign him: Despite Mike Ilitch's deep pockets, it's possible the Tigers are satisfied with an offseason that's already included a $110-million contract for Jordan Zimmermann. Even if that means flanking All-Star J.D. Martinez with Cameron Maybin and Anthony Gose.
Scale of 1-to-10 he signs: 5
Baltimore Orioles
Why they should sign him: They're still only one season removed from winning the AL East, and by bringing back Davis and Matt Wieters, the Orioles' lineup would be downright dangerous with Cespedes in the middle of it.
Why they won't sign him: With the departure of Wei-Yin Chen, it's debatable if the Orioles even have a No. 2 starter, let alone a top arm. Any money earmarked for Cespedes would be better spent on Yovani Gallardo at this point.
Scale of 1-to-10 he signs: 3
Los Angeles Angels
Why they should sign him: Because more than half of the Angels' offense produced below league-average in 2015. And that was before trading Erick Aybar for glove-first shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
Why they won't sign him: Owner Arte Moreno has been famously declaring for years now his disdain for paying the luxury tax, so spending big on a player who has more decline than upside left in him - particularly given the $165 million owed to Albert Pujols - isn't all too likely.
Scale of 1-to-10 he signs: 4