Yoenis Cespedes has been clear that he wants to retire as a member of the Oakland A’s.
It was difficult to imagine that he would get that chance. Aside from an eight game stint with the Mets in 2020, one where he just disappeared from the team before declaring that he was opting out of the rest of the season. Those eight games were the only ones he has played since 2018 due to injuries and teams just not being interested in his services.
Oakland A’s may as well give Yoenis Cespedes that final chance
But Cespedes is back on the diamond. He is playing for the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League as he potentially looks to put a comeback together.
It is not a surprise that there is some rust. After a hot start to his time in the DWL, he has slumped to a .231/.286/.423 batting line in his 28 plate appearances, hitting two doubles and a homer. He has only struck out six times, but had just one walk as well.
At 37 years old, Cespedes is not going to be someone that will be a long term solution. At best, he may be able to attract a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training with some team hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. Maybe, if Cespedes can show a sliver of his former power, he can be traded for a prospect or two by the deadline. It would not hurt to take that chance.
That is especially the case for the A’s. They are not going to be spending much, if at all, in the free agent market. Any moves would likely be minor league pacts, hoping to find someone that can be a part of the 2023 roster. In Cespedes’ case, it would be a chance to not just return to the majors, but to get the ending he wants as he plays his final major league games in an A’s uniform.
The Oakland A’s are going to be bargain hunting in free agency once again. They may as well see what Yoenis Cespedes has left in the tank.