PLAYING TIME: The Cespedes Signing and the Oakland OF

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Athletics sign Cespedes

On February 13, Oakland signed Yoenis Céspedes (OF, OAK) to a four-year $36M contract. The move comes less than one month after the trade for Seth Smith (OF, OAK). Oakland considers Cespedes a center fielder, though there is much we don't know about how his skills will translate from Cuba to the AL. What we do know is the A's had three projected starting outfielders before the Cespedes signing. Given the size of the team's commitment, one has to assume that Cespedes will get MLB playing time when he's with the club, be it Opening Day or quickly thereafter.  

Playing time expecations will need to be adjusted for the rest. The "pre-Cespedes" starting outfield was projected as Coco Crisp...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

The Blue Jays renewed their depth outfielders; Benintendi, Pillar, Phillips all head to IL.
May 8 2025 8:32am
Jackson Merrill returns; James Outman replaces Teoscar Hernández for the Dodgers; Dylan Moore and Yoán Moncada re-instated.
May 7 2025 8:26am
Twins welcome back two much-needed bats; Astros shut down Yordan Alvarez; Tyler Callihan breaks his forearm right after his callup; Kyle Harrison called to SF; and more...
May 6 2025 7:46am
Ketel Marte is back at the top of the DBacks lineup; meaning Tim Tawa's PT is likely to take a hit. Plus update on Otto Lopez, Gunnar Hoglund, Josh Rojas, and more.
May 5 2025 9:01am
Corey Seager, Brandon Marsh return from hamstring issues; plus injuries to Ramón Urías, Tommy Edman, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa lead to some rookie callups.
May 4 2025 8:28am

Tools