The Miami Marlins have reportedly offered Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes a monster contract, although the exact amount of the deal is in question.
The Spanish blog Cafe Fuerte initially reported that Miami offered the 26-year-old a six year, $40 million deal. If true, it would be the biggest contract ever handed out to a Cuban-born player.
However, shortly after the report surfaced, Marlins beat writer Clark Spencer tweeted that the club offered Cespedes less than $40 million.
Although there is some debate over the exact figure, an offer has definitely been made. And unless the initial number was greatly exaggerated, Cespedes will still surpass Aroldis Chapman of the Reds as the highest paid Cuban player in the MLB.
The addition of Cespedes would be another big offseason splash for the Marlins, who have already reeled in Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and manager Ozzie Guillen. The organization appears determined to distance themselves from last season, when they finished last in the NL East with a record of 72-90.
Recently, Guillen himself said that whoever signs Cespedes is “gambling.” However, I like the Marlins decision to push all their chips to the center of the table.
Cespedes is a pure power hitter and would certainly improve the Marlins lineup that finished 23rd in the MLB in runs last season. He’s also a quality defender that can play in right or center field.
Cespedes hasn’t signed anything yet, and with the Cubs, White Sox, Tigers and Orioles expressing interest in him, there’s no guarantee that he winds up in Miami. But if he does, the Marlins will have another promising new addition to their team.
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