Phillies Free Agency: Yoenis Cespedes to Opt Out of Mets Deal
Could the Phillies court the Cuban slugger in free agency?
A move that was expected inside the New York Mets front office could make a major impact on the Phillies lineup. According to multiple reports, outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has opted out of his three-year, $75 million contract.
With Cespedes now expected to hit free agency, could the Phillies make a move to bring the 31-year-old outfielder?
There are some major positives for going after Yoenis Cespedes. The obvious would be his bat in the middle of the lineup being capable of hitting at-least 30 home runs. Playing half a season inside Citizens Bank Park could lead to even more balls leaving the field.
In 12 games inside The Bank, Cespedes has five home runs and two triples.
At the plate this year, Cespedes struck out just 102 times and walked 52. You can also add a Gold Glove in right field, an award Cespedes won in 2015.
Despite being just 31-years-old, Cespedes has only played for five seasons after defecting from Cuba. He started his career in Oakland, but has played for four teams throughout his short career.
Cespedes has consistently become a trade chip, and has been moved three times. He could become that for the Philles, and help them acquire even more young talent. Should someone want Cespedes at the trade deadline and the team is confident in Nick Williams or Dylan Cozens playing everyday, the Phillies can add a blue-chip prospect.
Players such as Michael Fulmer, Jon Lester, and Rick Porcello have been included in past deals with Cespedes.
Even though he has only played five seasons, Cespedes is a veteran player who has played in the World Series. He brings experience that is not currently present on this current team.
Signing Cespedes for most teams would be a financial burden, but Matt Klentak has more money than he knows what to do with. The highest-paid player currently projected to be on the team is Freddy Galvis, who made $2 million in his first year of arbitration.
I see this kind of move as a great move for the Phillies. They add a young/veteran power bat in their lineup that can fill in at right field and provide great defense. They could keep him for the next three seasons as a transition player, or make a move late in the season.
Regardless of how you see this deal, it would be a win-win for Philadelphia.
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