4 Teams That Should Trade for Yoenis Cespedes After Contract Was Restructured

Yoenis Cespedes hasn't quite lived up to the star-level potential that was anticipated of him when the Mets inked him to a four-year, $110 million deal a few years back. In fact, the team is getting some of that money back, as they nearly filed a grievance against the 2016 All-Star which claimed that he fabricated the cause of an ankle fracture he succumbed to in May of 2019. Cespedes had originally said he fell off of his horse, before changing that story to a claim that he'd stepped in a hole at his Florida ranch.

They've already cut what was supposed to be a $29.5 million salary in 2020 to $11 million (at most) in a restructuring due to a violation because of his misleading claims, but with an outfield that looks to be ripe with young talent heading into next season, and Cespedes' production declining rapidly, his time in New York could be soon coming to a close. Here are four teams that could use the 34-year-old outfielder, and may be placing trade calls to the Mets' front office soon for him.

One interesting effect of Yoenis Céspedes' contract restructuring: the Mets have had teams reach out the past week regarding his availability in trades, according to a source. Nothing close or imminent or even all that likely, but some initial conversations have taken place.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 19, 2019

4. Marlins

Don Mattingly and Derek Jeter at a Marlins' press conference / Mark Brown/Getty Images

Miami's been kicking themselves since dealing Christian Yelich in 2018, and without Giancarlo Stanton manning their outfield as well, they could use some pop in their lineup. A move involving Cespedes could be exactly what they need to get back on track.

3. Athletics

Khris Davis sits on the bench in a Wild Card game against Tampa Bay / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Perhaps a little home cooking could be in the works for Cespedes? He's already mentioned that he wants to finish his career in Oakland, and has a great relationship with their front office. Khris Davis is their clear frontman, but with Anthony Rendon creeping into the AL West, offense will be a premium for every team.

2. White Sox

Jose Abreu runs out to the field ahead of a White Sox' game. / Ron Vesely/Getty Images

Chicago would have been one of the teams that had the ability to take on Cespedes' contract even before it was restructured. Money aside, they need offense. The team finished 24th in total runs, and in the bottom five of the MLB's home run numbers.

1. Red Sox

Mookie Betts trots in during a game with the Orioles / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

No one expected Boston to be as bad as they were in 2019 after winning the Series in 2018. Their offensive and defensive numbers took hits, and with Cespedes healthy, he could provide aid in both categories. With the possibility of a Mookie Betts trade looming, Cespedes could be a leading candidate to come in a take the job.