The rumors started swirling last week when Atlanta Braves beat writer Mark Bowman tweeted out that the Braves had interest in Yoenis Cespedes. Those dreams/wishes/rumors haven’t quit. After a move made on Monday, did this increase the Braves chances of signing him?
News broke Monday night that the Detroit Tigers have signed Justin Upton to a six-year deal worth $132.75M. Though the Tigers lineup looks very right-handed heavy, it’s awesome very dangerous. Now with a potential lineup that looks like this (prediction by Buster Olney) Ian Kinsler, Cameron Maybin, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, J.D. Martinez, Justin Upton, Nick Castellanos, James McCann and Jose Iglesias.
Justin Upton becomes third-highest paid free-agent position player this year behind Jason Heyward and Chris Davis, earning $22.125 per year
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 19, 2016
Over the weekend, Jon Heyman reported that the Tigers were interested in Cespedes…after saying earlier this offseason that they weren’t. Cespedes played in Detroit last season before being traded to the New York Mets on July 31st.
With the Tigers deciding to go with Justin Upton and the Baltimore Orioles signing Chris Davis, teams that are possibly interested in signing a big bat continue to dwindle.
The 30-year-old continues to have teams interested in him. As ESPN.com’s Jim Bowden tweeted out, 10 teams could still have interest in Cespedes. It’s curious how many teams have real “interest” or just calling to get a price. Most likely, this is what the Braves did, but you never know.
Projecting the teams interested in Cespedes
Tier One
Chicago White Sox
LA Angles
Tier Two
St. Louis Cardinals
New York Mets
Houston Astros
Tier Three
Atlanta Braves
Baltimore Orioles
Philadelphia Phillies
I placed the Mets and Astros in tier two because they’ve been rumored only to be willing to offer a short-term deal…Cespedes wants a long-term deal.
My prediction is that the White Sox go all in and sign Cespedes. They traded for Todd Frazier earlier this offseason and actually had a better team than they finishing 2015 record. If the Sox can find the cash for Yoenis, they could very well be the team to beat in 2016.
The 30-year-old hit .291 with 35 home runs and 105 RBI with the Tigers and Mets in 2015. With the signing of Upton on Monday, the chances of Cespedes coming to the Braves probably increased to 5.6% chance. He’ll most likely sign within the next few days.
Many teams are questioning his age, stability and defensive presence…especially NL teams without the DH. Braves fans would love a big-bat, but I don’t think Cespedes is coming to Atlanta.