Padres Must Make A Play For Yoenis Cespedes If Available

Interesting tidbit of information from Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo in his Sunday notes column:

Word is spreading that the Red Sox could make Cespedes available. He will earn $10.2 million in the final year of his deal. Cespedes said late in the season that he wasn’t sure whether he’d engage in long-term talks with the Red Sox. Couple that with his desire not to play right field or work on his defense, and that could make him a trade candidate as the Red Sox try to pare their outfield depth and possibly make room for Mookie Betts or add a lefthanded hitter.

If the Padres want to improve their offense and their outfield, their guy could be Yoenis Cespedes, especially if they strike out on Yasmani Tomas. For the Padres, it’s a one-year look at someone for whom playing in a big park and putting up power numbers won’t matter that much. The guy played in Oakland until last July, he can handle it. 

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You can put Cespedes in left and move Seth Smith into right. You have to be aggressive in order to get power bats at a time when there is such a dearth of power in the game. The Padres would have the prospects to do it if the Red Sox so desire and the starting pitching that could help them land the bat they need.

If Cespedes flounders, or if the Padres are out of it, and they don’t think they can retain him after next year, they can do what the Red Sox and A’s did; flip him to a team that needs a bat.

If the Padres want to show they are going for it, they can start by going out and getting Cespedes. As long as he is truly available.