MLB Rumors: Baltimore Orioles have made offer to Yoenis Cespedes
The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly made a contract offer to free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes
The Baltimore Orioles have had a quiet offseason other than trading for Mark Trumbo and re-signing relief pitcher Darren O’Day. They have been discussing adding a power bat, but have yet to decide if they want to bring back Chris Davis. The Orioles seem to have moved on from him as they have made an offer to free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.
Per industry source, #orioles have made offer to Cespedes. Seem to prefer him over Upton at the moment. Nothing new on Chris Davis.
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) January 14, 2016
Few hitters could replace the power of Chris Davis, but Yoenis Cespedes is a cheaper option who could be a better value for the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles are also looking to add a corner outfielder, so their interest in Cespedes makes a ton of sense. Cespedes have 106 career homers in four seasons with a career batting average of .271. He has poor plate discipline (career on-base percentage of .319) but he is one of the best power hitters in the league (career slugging percentage of .485).
Cespedes would also be an upgrade defensively in the corner outfield over the Orioles’ options from last season. He struggled in center field for the New York Mets, but he has proven to be at worst a capable defender in left field. His arm is one of the strongest in the league as well. Cespedes is coming off a career season with 35 homers and an .870 OPS.