Update - 10:31 AM EST: Jon Heyman of MLB Network now reports that the New York Mets have made a three-year offer to Cespedes just days after the 30-year-old received a five-year offer from the Washington Nationals.
The Washington Nationals are said to be aggressively pursuing free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports on Wednesday evening.
The news came just hours after the Detroit Tigers announced the signing of another free agent outfielder in Justin Upton to a six-year, $132.75 million deal.
As it stands right now, there are not many details that have been shared between the two sides, however, Rosenthal is told that a five-year offer has been made.
Several clubs have given Cespedes a look thus far this offseason as many are interested in adding the Cuban sensation to their mix, both in the field as well as at the plate.
Some of the teams that have been noted of late include the Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets.
It is said that the club made a push for Jason Heyward earlier in the offseason with a bid of over $200 million before he agreed to sign with the Chicago Cubs for eight years, $184 million.
The White Sox are on the same level as the Mets as they only want to offer a three-year deal, but Cespedes and his representatives are looking for a longer term deal for the 30-year-old.
At this time, chances that Cespedes lands with the Nationals are high, however, it will put a question mark on the club's outfield situation as they have a slew of options to play every day.
Just a week ago, outfielder Ben Revere was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for closer Drew Storen, with the idea Revere would become Washington's everyday center fielder.
However, if the Nationals sign Cespedes that would make Revere the fourth outfielder, as Bryce Harper is the everyday right fielder and Jason Werth is still getting paid big money (two-years, $42 million) to play left field. Michael Taylor would likely start the 2016 season in Triple-A Syracuse.
There is a slight possibility in which Revere and Werth could split time in the corner outfield, assuming he remains with the team at the season's beginning with a trade highly unlikely. With the slew of injuries Werth has dealt with over the last couple seasons, Revere could find himself getting some regular time.
Looking at what this club has to offer should Cespedes agree, the first key to the whole deal would seem to have to do with manager Dusty Baker. As noted by MLBTradeRumors, he does speak Spanish which is something that will keep the interaction between the two high at all times, which would play an important factor. Baker also has a specialty when it comes to connecting with players as he did during his time with the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.
Over his time as a manager, Baker was given the opportunity to manage stars such as Barry Bonds and Aroldis Chapman and would most certainly welcome the opportunity to manage Cespedes.
In a recent post from Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, she said that the fit is not exactly clear, however, that doesn’t necessarily preclude the Nationals from making a splash as there is a chance it could still happen and soon.