Cuban defector and center fielder Yoenis Cespedes signed with the Oakland Athletics today, accepting a four-year deal worth $36 million. The Marlins were rumored to be one of the teams heavily interested in Cespedes and had offered him a contract worth the same amount of money over six years according to CBSSports.com baseball writer Jon Heyman.
Cespedes has the power that can provide great deals of offense, batting .500 (11-22), despite going hitless against Team USA, with four home runs at the World University Baseball Championship in 2010.
The Marlins, with their new look, their new stadium opening up and flashy free agent signings already with the likes of shortstop Jose Reyes, starting pitcher Mark Buehrle and closer Heath Bell, wanted the defector to provide more excitement as expectations rise in an NL East that is getting more and more competitive with each free agent signing.
For more on the Miami Marlins check out Fish Stripes.