The Baltimore Orioles may be losing patience with Chris Davis and are prepared to move forward with alternate plans. To that end, they reportedly have made a contract offer to free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.
MASN’s Roch Kubatko shared the news on Thursday and says the Orioles prefer Cespedes to fellow free agent outfielder Justin Upton.
Per industry source, #orioles have made offer to Cespedes. Seem to prefer him over Upton at the moment. Nothing new on Chris Davis.
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) January 14, 2016
No details on Cespedes offer other than he seems to be the focus at the moment. #orioles want to re-sign Davis but patience wearing thin
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) January 14, 2016
Davis is expected to command the most money of the remaining sluggers on the market, so him waiting to sign a deal has slowed down progress on that front. That could be one reason whey Cespedes and Upton are still available.
Cespedes, 30, was an All-Star in 2014 and carries a career .808 OPS. He was traded three times in one year — from Oakland to Boston, Boston to Detroit, and Detroit to the New York Mets. He found a great home with the Mets as he slugged 17 home runs and drove in 44 runs in 57 games for the team, helping to send them to the playoffs. The Braves, Mets and Tigers are also said to have interest in Cespedes, in addition to Baltimore.
At last check, the Orioles were holding firm on their $154 million contract offer to Davis.
