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Cespedes decision expected soon as slugger weighs options

Robert Deutsch / Reuters

Yoenis Cespedes' decision on where he'll play in the foreseeable future could come very soon.

The 30-year-old slugger, who remains the top free agent available on the open market, is currently deciding between a reported five-year offer from the Washington Nationals and returning to play for the New York Mets on a three-year pact with an opt-out after one season.

He also has a reported three-year offer from the Chicago White Sox to think about, while the New York Yankees, whom his representatives contacted on Thursday, could jump in as a last-minute entrant for his services.

It was reported Thursday that Cespedes prefers a return to the Big Apple to play for the Mets, but with the Nationals offering as much as $100 million over the five-year term, it may be hard for him to walk away from the mighty dollar.

With Cespedes' camp meeting with the Mets on Friday, perhaps the two sides could negotiate a deal outside the spectrum of the player's demands - he's reportedly looking for a six-year deal worth as much as $22 million per season - that would satisfy both parties.

The slugger is in high demand, with as many as 10 teams having reportedly been in contact with his representatives. And after a season in which he hit .291/.328/.542 with 35 home runs and 105 RBIs while earning a 6.6 WAR split between the Mets and Detroit Tigers, that was expected.

The waiting game continues, and so does the intrigue in where the Cuban may sign. Until he makes the decision, the baseball world will wait in anticipation.

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