When the Boston Red Sox traded for Yoenis Cespedes in late July, it made all the sense in the world. Deal away a veteran in Jon Lester, who was set to become a free agent and could potentially re-sign with Boston in the offseason, for a power-hitting outfielder. A power hitter that’s under team control for the 2015 season.
Fresh off knocking in his 100th run of the season, Cespedes had this to say about his future in Boston (via Providence Journal).
I’m still not sure if I want to sign an extension or if I want to be a free agent,” Cespedes said through interpreter Adrian Lorenzo. “It’s still too soon.
Unlike other players who are set to become free agents for the first time, Boston cannot make a qualifying offer to Cespedes following the 2015 season. His initial contract with the Oakland Athletics makes that perfectly clear. This means that if Cespedes were to test the market and leave, the Red Sox wouldn’t acquire draft pick compensation.
Is Cespedes’ unwillingness to commit to even wanting to play in Boston long term enough for the Red Sox to seriously consider moving him in the offseason?
That’s the real question here.
Photo: Boston.com