The rumors of Yoenis Cespedes signing with a club are close to being finalized. The free agent has expressed he’s looking for a long-term deal and could be ready to sign on the dotted line. Cespedes’s name has been floating around the rumor mill with about a dozen teams…one including your Atlanta Braves.
Expectation among some parties in the talks is that Cespedes will make his choice in the next 24 to 48 hours.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 22, 2016
By the weekend we should know where Cespedes will be playing in 2016 and beyond. Though this is good news so all the rumors stop, I don’t think it’s the news we’re looking for.
The Washington Nationals and the New York Mets are the teams that remain standing for the 30-year-old outfielder. Thursday afternoon, it looked as though Cespedes was signing with the Nats after they offered him a five-year deal. The specifics of the deal with the dollar amount is yet unknown to the public, but I’m guessing it’s close to $20 million a year.
Then, there sits the Mets. Ken Rosenthal reported that he has two sources that says he prefers to stay with the Mets. The Mets have yet to make an official offer and are still sticking with a three-year deal.
Buster Olney reported this morning that the Mets are offering an opt-out option after the 2016 season for Cespedes. This will give him the chance to cash in next offseason.
Sources: Mets, Cespedes discussing an opt-out clause after the 1st year of a three-year deal. Would allow him to test market again Fall '16.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 22, 2016
For Cespedes, 3-year deal/opt-out in '16 would give him chance to cash in next fall. For Mets, would limit financial obligation.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 22, 2016
So Braves fans, bad news. Not only do they not sign him (weren’t really in the running), but he’s most likely going to one of our rival teams. We’ll see firsthand if he continues to hit and play well in the MLB now that he’s 30-years-old.