Oakland Athletics Should Try To Bring Yoenis Cespedes Back
The Oakland Athletics have mentioned that they will not be making that many moves this offseason. However, one move they should make is signing outfielder and former Athletic Yoenis Cespedes. This powerhouse outfielder has finally hit his stride and is performing extremely well this season. This would be a great pickup for the A’s.
Back in February of 2012, Oakland was able to signed Cespedes to the surprise of many to a 4-year $36 million contract after he and his family defected from Cuba. He played with the Athletics for two and half season. The A’s traded Cespedes to the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline in July 2014 for pitcher Jon Lester. This trade is largely blamed for the second half downward spiral Oakland fell into that season.
More from White Cleat Beat
- Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
- Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
- Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
- San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
- Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen
Now that Cespedes will be a free agent this offseason, the A’s have a chance to get him back on their roster. This would greatly upgrade the left field position. Right now, the A’s have Coco Crisp and Sam Fuld covering left as well as the occasional fill in by Mark Canha and Jake Smolinski. As everyone knows, Crisp’s playing ability is slowly declining due to a persistent neck injury and Fuld’s bat is just not up to snuff even though he has plus defense.
Cespedes is known for his laser arm and strong defense in left field as well as his power bat. This season he batted .290 with 35 homers and 103 RBI. Additionally, his WAR is the highest it has ever been at 6.0. When it comes to his defense, Cespedes has been consistent and has been known for throwing players out at home all the way from deep in left.
Let’s not forget to mention the Cespedes was beloved by the Oakland fans and bringing him back would definitely give everyone hope for the future of the team. Unfortunately, he is looking for a contract that lasts at least six years. The Oakland Athletics rarely sign players to long term contracts. Additionally, because of the success he demonstrated this season, it is clear that he will be asking for a lot of money. The penny pinching A’s may not be able to cough up enough dough to make Cespedes happy.
It will definitely be interesting to see what other teams will make a bid for Cespedes. It is clear that the Detriot Tigers are going to try to get Cespedes back while across the bay the San Francisco Giants have expressed their interest. However, if the A’s were to make one big move this offseason, it should be signing Cespedes and bringing hope back to the Oakland.
Next: Oakland Athletics Stadium Update: Oakland Ditches Kephart