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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 /
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Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have some good pieces in place to build around, including slugger Jose Abreu, ace Chris Sale, and the wildly-underrate Jose Quintana and Adam Eaton. They continue to underwhelm on the field, however, finishing 76-86 in 2015 and 78-84 in 2016. Manager Robin Ventura will not return for the 2017 season.

To contend, the White Sox need a major upgrade in the power department. Despite Todd Frazier’s 40 home runs, the team still finished 13th in the American League in home runs and 11th in runs, slugging, and OPS. Abreu endured a disappointing campaign, hitting only 25 home runs. Sale and Quintana were brilliant, but many of their best starts went for naught as the offense failed to provide support.

The White Sox have made additions in recent years that would lead to the assumption that they are in win-now mode. Before the 2015 season, Jeff Samardzija, Melky Cabrera, and David Robertson were added. Abreu has a $68-million contract with three more years. Frazier was brought over in a three-team trade before last season.

Whether or not the White Sox can match pace with the juggernaut being built on the North Side of Chicago by Theo Epstein and the Cubs remains to be seen. The front office needed to add one more piece in addition to Frazier last winter, specifically an corner outfielder. Austin Jackson ended up being the low-budget pick, but he batted .254/.318/.343 in only 54 games. The White Sox need to take a bigger swing this winter, and Yoenis Cespedes should be on their radar.

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