PLAYING TIME: The Cespedes Signing and the Oakland OF

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Athletics sign Cespedes

On February 13, Oakland signed Yoenis Céspedes (OF, OAK) to a four-year $36M contract. The move comes less than one month after the trade for Seth Smith (OF, OAK). Oakland considers Cespedes a center fielder, though there is much we don't know about how his skills will translate from Cuba to the AL. What we do know is the A's had three projected starting outfielders before the Cespedes signing. Given the size of the team's commitment, one has to assume that Cespedes will get MLB playing time when he's with the club, be it Opening Day or quickly thereafter.  

Playing time expecations will need to be adjusted for the rest. The "pre-Cespedes" starting outfield was projected as Coco Crisp...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Deyvison De Los Santos may be an early PT gainer in Miami; Andrew Vaughn's injury in MIL leads to the callup of a top prospect; and Carlos Estevez suffered a spectacular 9th-inning blowup yesterday.
Mar 29 2026 8:38am
Jake Bauers and Brandon Lockridge stand to pick up some early playing time in Milwaukee. Plus, some Opening Day clarity on the Angels' bullpen usage...
Mar 27 2026 7:10am
Luis García Jr. and Nasim Nuñez (pictured) have won 1B and 2B jobs. Plus lots of IL moves as teams solidify their Opening Day rosters.
Mar 26 2026 8:11am
Kevin McGonigle's impressive spring as won him a job in Detroit; Connelly Early the same in Boston, and more roster tweaks for Opening Night.
Mar 25 2026 8:15am
Another busy day of roster trimming as teams set their Opening Day rosters, including significant rotation updates in Texas, Toronto, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Los Angeles.
Mar 24 2026 7:38am

Tools