Though the date isn’t firm (he previously had been expected to become a free agent in late November or early December), when it does happen, expect the Miami Marlins to make a push to sign Cespedes, MLB.com reported.
A few months ago, Marlins officials, including team owner Jeffrey Loria, attended a private workout for Cespedes in the Dominican Republic. The team continues to have interest and plans on eventually negotiating with the outfielder's agent, Adam Katz, MLB.com reported.
According to the website, the Marlins believe Cespedes is a natural fit in Miami, a city with a strong Cuban influence. The team’s new ballpark is in the Little Havana section of city.
Once he establishes residency in the Dominican, bidding for his services is expected to begin shortly thereafter. Nearly a dozen teams have expressed interest in Cespedes.
The latest speculation has Cespedes seeking up to a six- to-eight-year deal for as much as $6 million to $8 million per year, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. That could push the total package to nearly $65 million, which likely would eliminate the Marlins from the process.
However, MLB.com’s source said his price could be falling as some teams back away from a $60 million asking price. Instead, a more realistic contract could be for four years at $8 million a year, according to the website’s source.
A four-year deal would get the outfielder to age 30, and he then could test the market again.
Reds lefthander Aroldis Chapman holds the record for largest contract granted a Cuban defector after signing for $30.25 million over six years in early 2010.
