Why Atlanta Braves Interest in Cespedes Might Not Be a Passing Fancy

Braves Interested in Cespedes and Why We Should Pay Attention

The news came up this afternoon, and immediately my reaction was “what?  really?”

Then I had another reaction, which was more like “wait a second… this could be… real.”

I will explain.

Weak Market… Few Takers

Depending on who you believe, the Mets are still interested in bringing Yoenis Cespedes back… but only on either a 2 or 3 year term (Heyman), though some reports suggest they only want to entertain a single-year contract.  Cespedes himself has continued to tell people that he is only interested in a long-term contract (Ken Rosenthal tweet).  In September, he was saying “at least 6 years” and that he was actually hoping this might be his last contract.

Cespedes’ former-former team – the Tigers – now has Cameron Maybin, so you’d think they might be out of the picture.  Nonetheless, Jon Heyman believes they do have some interest… but less actual money.

Meanwhile, there’s still Chris Davis and Justin Upton out there… lingering… with few takers.  Of other teams with needs (including the White Sox, Orioles, possibly the Cardinals), none are exactly jumping forward even as we’re getting down to 5 weeks before Spring camps open.  The issues?  Money and lengthy contract expectations.

Enter the Braves.

For the record, at least one of the primary beat writers, Mark Bowman, is confirming Atlanta’s interest in Cespedes… but with a caveat.  How likely does he think this might be?

Well, apparently, somebody from Braves’ Country won a half-billion last night (Munford, TN – if you believe that part of the state isn’t Cardinals’ territory), so anything can happen.

Thinking Way Ahead

I expect that John Coppolella knows all of the above.  I think he knows what the market conditions are at.  I believe he is aware that Cespedes wants 6 years and that various estimates of the ultimate contract size range from anywhere from $97 million to $150 million for a 7-year term (roughly $14m to $21m AAV).

I also expect he knows that he already has a glut of outfielders… and the idea of acquiring Cespedes sounds ridiculous on the face of it because that’s the case.  Markakis, Inciarte, Olivera, Bourn, Swisher, Johnson, Garcia… and Mallex Smith is waiting in the wings.  And he’s interested in Cespedes??

I think Coppy is making inquires despite knowing all of this.

That tells me right away that Coppy isn’t just kicking the tires.  There is no reason for him to waste his time.

Hey – Cespedes went to the World Series with the Mets,  He played well for them.  They want him back – albeit on a short-term deal.  How likely do you think it would be that the Braves could offer the same and win this player away from New York… especially for a rebuilding situation?

Nope – if Atlanta is asking, then it’s my opinion that Atlanta is asking to get him for at least 4 years.

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