UPDATE: Here's what Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle is reporting: "A person familiar with the Astros' thinking said on Sunday they had not previously heard of a connection between the Astros and Cespedes and made his signing in Houston sound unlikely."
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Rumors say the market for Yoenis Cespedes is "intensifying," but reports are conflicting in terms of exactly how. Will he sign a short-term or long-term contract? And are the Houston Astros a legitimate suitor?
On Sunday, MLB Insider Peter Gammons said he heard multiple executives say "watch the Astros on Cespedes," which is an interesting scenario to consider since Houston has a stacked outfield with George Springer, Carlos Gomez, Colby Rasmus and Preston Tucker. The DH position is also occupied by Evan Gattis.
Further rumors are facilitating that suggest the Astros would have to make a trade if they're indeed going after Cespedes. The slugger was reportedly offered a five-year contract from the Baltimore Orioles, but many believe it was rescinded after Chris Davis returned to the team on a seven-year, $161 million deal.
Also, there are mixed feelings in regards to what type of contract Cespedes might land. Rumors indicate there's been scant interest throughout the MLB to sign the slugger to a long-term deal, leading many to speculate a short-term pact could be best. After all, it was said he was weighing the Orioles' long-term offer against a one-year deal from the New York Mets, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
Then again, Jon Heyman reported yesterday that there is "no chance" Cespedes will have to settle for a "very short deal." ESPN's Jim Bowden says Cespedes' market is "intensifying," which could mean teams are perhaps more willing to consider making long-term offers.
"I'm not buying the idea that free-agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will settle for a one-, two- or three-year deal," adds FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
"Many in the industry believed that [Chris] Davis' price would drop because he had no other apparent bidders. Many believed that [Ian] Kennedy would struggle to get big money after rejecting the Padres' one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer. Well, both somehow managed to escape the poorhouse -- and by quite a bit."
Well, the Astros could probably afford either type of deal. They're projected to have a $90 million payroll on Opening Day and aren't projected to exceed $59 million through the 2021 season. Houston is built for the long-term, so it's possible they're weighing a multi-year offer for Cespedes.
But how would they tinker the roster if they landed the outfielder?
"To create room for Cespedes, the 'Stros probably would need to trade center fielder Carlos Gomez," Rosenthal writes.
That wouldn't be too surprising since Gomez did not have a good stint with the team after coming over from the Brewers at the trade deadline. He battled injuries and batted just .242/.288/.383 with 19 runs scored, 4 home runs and 13 RBI in 41 games. He did perform well in the playoffs, but now that he's owed $9 million in 2016 and could fetch the Astros decent value, he certainly could be the team's top trade candidate if Cespedes were to enter the picture.
Houston is serious about contending and they have one of the MLB's best young cores with Springer, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers and others.
Throw in an accomplished veteran like Cespedes and that could expedite their formula for success.
