Fansided

Yoenis Cespedes opts out: 5 potential destinations

By Joshua Sadlock

May 21, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets centerfielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets centerfielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Sep 21, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) runs the bases after hitting a three run home run during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) runs the bases after hitting a three run home run during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Angels were seen as a candidate to be a big player in free agency last year with names like Cespedes, Justin Upton, and Chris Davis available, but they did not make any big moves. Owner Arte Moreno has a few bad contracts to deal with, including Albert Pujols’ 10-year deal. Josh Hamilton is still being paid over $25 million to not play for the Texas Rangers. With Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson coming off the books this year, however, look for the Angels to make a splash in free agency this winter.

After two consecutive mediocre seasons, the Angels need to think seriously about aggressively trying to contend during Mike Trout’s peak years. Pujols showed this season that he should have a few more quality seasons left in his bat before the steep decline truly begins. Trout still has four more years before his current contract expires, and if the Angels cannot build a winner before 2020, there is little reason to hold onto him.

Cespedes would give the Angels a true third power bat to pair with Trout and Pujols. Kole Calhoun is a solid, but complimentary player. The presence of Cespedes would provide more protection for Trout, and ease more of the pressure on the aging Pujols to be the MVP he was in St. Louis. In Anaheim, Cespedes would also be relieved of the burden of playing center field, something he butted heads with the Mets over this year.

The Angels have the resources freeing up this year to make a more aggressive effort in free agency. With little available in the starting pitching department, Yoenis Cespedes should be their number-one target.

Home/MLB Free Agency