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Five teams that must add Yoenis Cespedes now

By Matt Whitener

Sep 10, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals

The Nationals are never far away from most high profile free agent pursuits, simply because they show regular willingness to throw money at any player that represents even close to fit on their roster. Owner Ted Lerner signs the checks and then tells GM Mike Rizzo to find room on the roster. It is because of this that it can be argued that nobody has picked up more top end talent on a regular basis than Nats over the past few years.

Yet for all of those additions, they are yet to win a playoff series in the D.C. tenure of the team. And for a team whose payroll is currently close to $20 million below what it dished out a year ago, there is certainly the room to add in the range of what Cespedes price tag will call for.

For a team that has added Ben Revere to its outfield already, but competitively bid for both Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist earlier in the offseason, the hunger for more is evident. Making a late power move to offer up the high level money for Cespedes could be pivotal to getting the club over the hump. As lineup protection for Bryce Harper, he can ensure the reigning MVP sees as many pitches as he possibly can, further extending the value of the investment for a team that certainly can bear the burden of the deal long-term.

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