Yoenis Cespedes not part of Yankees’ free agent plans
After the Yankees dealt veteran Brian McCann to the Astros last week, Brian Cashman said the move opened up the possibility of pursuing some lumber while the team still focuses on its main goal of strengthening the rotation and bullpen.
But don’t expect free-agent Cuban slugger Yoenis Cespedes to be one of the Yankees’ targets, despite Cashman saying last week that he’s “talked to Cespedes’ agent (Brodie Van Wagenen)” and that the two sides would talk again.
The Daily News has learned that Cespedes — who earlier this month opted out of his three-year, $75 million deal with the Mets — is not part of the Yankees’ winter spending plans despite speculation that the Bombers could make a run for the 31-year-old outfielder. The main three priorities for the Yankees, according to sources, are bringing back Cuban lefty reliever Aroldis Chapman, acquiring a starting pitcher and signing a designated hitter. Cespedes is reportedly looking for a five-year deal in the $125-135 million range.
“Tis the season to engage and find out,” Cashman said last week at the Covenant House in Manhattan during a charity sleep-out event, referring to scouring the free-agent and trade markets. It makes sense that Cespedes is not on the Yankees’ radar since the team continues to build upon its youth movement, the pinstriped outfield is already filled at every position, and Cespedes would be a costly DH-only addition if he were acquired for that role.
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