MLB Trade Rumors: Boston Red Sox Shopping Yoenis Cespedes?
By Kristen Fazio
@Kristen_Fazio
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The Boston Red Sox acquired Yoenis Cespedes from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline but it appears his stay in Boston may be a short-lived one.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports the Red Sox may be looking to trade the left fielder this winter after Cespedes expressed reluctance to re-sign with Boston long-term and play right field. Cespedes hit .269/.296/.423 with five home runs and 33 RBIs with the Red Sox and provided a presence in the lineup behind David Ortiz. In 2014, Cespedes totaled 22 HRs and 100 RBIs with the Red Sox and A’s combined.
Cespedes is set to become a free agent after the 2015 season, and the Red Sox can’t afford to lose him for nothing. If in fact they are shopping him, there would be many potential suitors lined up for his services. The Cuban-born 29-year-old has an above average arm, is an exceptional athlete and would be a middle of the order right-handed power bat in any lineup.
Potential trade partners for the Red Sox would include the Texas Rangers, New York Mets and Chicago White Sox. The Rangers would be able to move natural right fielder Shin-Shoo Choo back to right field and put Cespedes in left. The Mets are in need of outfield help, and the White Sox are also looking to upgrade left field and already have four Cuban-born players on their roster.
Whether he plays for the Red Sox or elsewhere, Cespedes will be due for a big contract and Boston already has a crowded outfield. It could be in their best interest to trade Cespedes now and improve their roster in other areas.
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