Prince Fielder is still out there as a free agent. He is, without question, the best available free agent. While there's no indication that he's close to signing a contract, that could all happen very quickly if someone comes in with a willingness to spend.
Yoenis Cespedes Should Be Available Soon
If Fielder were to sign soon, would that mean the end of the big free agent spending? Thankfully(?), no. There's still Edwin Jackson. There are still other guys. And there's still Yoenis Cespedes.
Remember Yoenis Cespedes? He was a huge deal, not too long ago. But before he could become a free agent, he had to take care of some legal things, which put the rumor mill on pause. Cespedes’ current status? He’s close to gaining Dominican residency. Once he does that, he can petition MLB to become a free agent. Once he does that, teams will be free to bid.
A couple of months ago, it was believed Cespedes was seeking an eight-year deal worth more than $60 million. Several teams have backed away from that number, and a source said Cespedes’ cost appears to be coming down.
More realistic numbers are four years in the $32 million range, the source said.
Cespedes is 26, and has the potential to be a power-hitting center fielder. He also has the potential to be a non-power-hitting DH, or mediocre busboy. Here’s to taking chances!
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