The mystique and the allure of Yoenis Cespedes is still alive, despite his eccentricities… and the Atlanta Braves are paying attention.
Several players (mostly pitchers) have been holding “showcase” events over the past several weeks in an effort to demonstrate their contract-worthiness. The Atlanta Braves — always looking to improve — have checked in on some of these.
Of these events, perhaps none has the intrigue that comes with a player of Yoenis Cespedes‘ stature.
Sure, his antics might be a distraction on some clubs. His recent injury history is still generating sideways glances from people connected with the Mets.
But with all that… he can almost certainly still hit… and that’s why representatives from 11 teams watched him work out yesterday.
Can we name the names? Sure: Ken Davidoff of the NY Post helps us out with that:
- American League clubs: Toronto, New York, Detroit, Chicago, Tampa Bay
- National League clubs: Miami, Milwaukee, Chicago, San Diego, Cincinnati, and the Atlanta Braves
- Cespedes reportedly put on a good show — defensively as well as offensively.
- He even showed off some of his cockiness by catching a fly ball behind his back.
So why would the Braves even be taking a look at him?
The Atlanta Braves angle
Just by noting that there were so many NL clubs in attendance, you’d have to believe that there’s still at least a glimmer of hope that the universal designated hitter might still come to pass in April.
You’d think that subject would already be dead and buried by now, but this would almost certainly have to be the only scenario that could bring Cespedes to Atlanta.
With Ozuna (currently) in left field, Cristian Pache and/or Ender Inciarte penciled in for center, and Ronald Acuna Jr. anchored in right… that’s a full outfield. Cespedes only real spot would come from the bench or in spelling Ozuna every so often.
However, if the DH were to happen, then perhaps picture this: put Cespedes in left and Ozuna as the DH. Now the Braves lineup becomes truly scary-deep.
And yes: even at that age, Cespedes is likely a better defender than Ozuna at 30, with better range, general mobility, and an arm.
Other teams might have a greater need for an outfielder… Milwaukee to replace Ryan Braun, Miami to just add a better hitter, the Rays likewise… but some of these other teams have aspirations of deep playoff runs, so who knows what Cespedes wants? Significant playing time or a chance at a ring?
While the Atlanta Braves don’t have much money left to spend, Cespedes is probably going to have to be content with a low offer regardless of where he ultimately signs since he hasn’t played more than half a season of games since 2016.
The big question, then, is this: DH or no? If so… he’s not a bad option to take a flier on.