If the New York Yankees weren’t serious suitors for Yoenis Cespedes this offseason, they may very well be now.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has said the recent Brian McCann trade has made the Cespedes pursuit more plausible. It’s possible the talks that have already taken place may intensify with Cashman saying, “I’m sure [the agents and I] will talk again. Now that we have more flexibility, it gives us more chances.” (James Wagner, New York Times).
The Yankees retained $5.5 million of McCann’s salary in 2017 and 2018. Ultimately, the trade opens up an additional $23 million in payroll for the Yankees.
Previous reports indicated Cespedes wants to sign a free agent deal with one of four possible teams by the beginning of December. The Mets have been listed as one possibility. It may turn out the Yankees are another.
