Report: Nationals interested in outfielder Yoenis Cespedes

The Washington Nationals are pursuing free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes in free agency, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported Wednesday evening. 

Rosenthal reported that the Mets and White Sox remain interested in Cespedes, but only at a three-year deal. The Nationals, who made runs at Jason Heyward and Justin Upton, "possibly could land Cespedes with a longer deal," writes Rosenthal. 

It is not exactly easy to picture where the Nationals could fit Cespedes in their outfield.

With Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth, and Ben Revere, Washington's outfield is quite full.

The Nationals could decide to trade one of the outfielders, but after acquiring Revere just recently, Werth appears to be the only option that could be dealt. And even he could cause issues. Werth still has $42 million remaining on his contract and has a no-trade clause.

Could the Nationals add Cespedes without a trade?

Washington could consider playing either Cespedes or Harper in center field and platooning Werth and Revere in one of the corners, most likely left. Revere could also fill in at the other outfield spots to give either Harper or Cespedes a day off. 

Joining Daniel Murphy, the 30-year-old Cespedes would be the second Met to come over to play for the Nationals this offseason.

Cespedes would be quite an addition for the team, hitting .291/.328/.542 with 35 home runs and 105 RBIs in 676 plate appearances last season. He was worth 6.7 FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement.

​--Devan Fink

---