Market for Cespedes likely set to heat up
With two of the biggest pitchers off the free-agent market, teams now figure to turn to the many outfield options available, headlined by Yoenis Cespedes.
Cespedes is one of the biggest names on the market, with his power and speed combination desirable, as well as his performance in helping lead the Mets to the World Series last season, hitting .287/.337/.604 with 17 homers in 57 games with New York.
The Mets, who are looking to replace that bat, are interested. But not at the price that has been floating around -- some projections have the 30-year-old landing a contract around $140 million.
The Angels are the latest entrant in the Cespedes sweepstakes, according to the New York Daily News, as they seek a third outfielder to join Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun. The right-handed-hitting Cespedes would be a good fit with the Angels, who have a lefty-heavy lineup.
On Friday, ESPN's Buster Olney speculated the Mets could still be interested in Cespedes if his price drops, but that seems unlikely if more teams continue to show interest.
Cespedes is a .271/.319/.486 career hitter in four seasons with the A's, Red Sox, Tigers and Mets.