MORE: Griffey, Bonds highlight SN’s All-1990s team; who else makes the cut?
OUR TAKE: Cespedes has played for four teams since the start of 2014, but he was most prolific with New York, where he smashed 17 homers in just 57 games. He finished 2015 with a career-high 42 doubles, but also with 142 strikeouts. With just 33 walks in 2015, Cespedes’ on-base percentage (.328) ranked 32nd among qualified outfielders, a relatively low rank for a player who will likely command big money. The White Sox have placed outfielder Avisail Garcia on the trade block, according to CSN Chicago, likely clearing the way for a new free-agent outfielder, whether it’s Cespedes or Alex Gordon, who the club is also interested in, Fox Sports says. The O’s currently have Nolan Reimold and Ryan Flaherty listed as the outfielders joining Jones and must make a free-agent splash, especially if they miss out on re-signing Chris Davis, who’s price may be out of reach anyway thanks to agent Scott Boras. The Angels and Giants are looking to upgrade in left field over Daniel Nava and Gregor Blanco, respectively, while the Rangers would likely have to trade Mitch Moreland in order to clear a spot for Cespedes with Josh Hamilton moving to first. Don’t count out the Tigers and owner Mike Illitch, who has a history of signing big-name free agents if they continue to hang around in free agency as is the case with this year’s outfield class that also features Justin Upton.
