The Chicago White Sox have had a relatively quiet offseason so far outside of trading Sergio Santos to the Toronto Blue Jays, but they're showing some interest in Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, the White Sox recently held a private workout with Cespedes in order to get a closer look at the hyped center fielder.
Cespedes, reportedly 26, defected from Cuba recently in order to gain residency in another country and sign a contract to play in the United States. He's considered an elite prospect in the international community, and the rumors have him potentially landing a deal worth more than the $30.25 million that the Cincinnati Reds spent to sign lefty pitcher Aroldis Chapman in January 2010.
For the White Sox, interest is fairly understandable. They've spent big in the past on Cuban defectors like Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo, they could use some outfield help with Juan Pierre departing and that's before factoring in a possible trade of Carlos Quentin. Signing Cespedes could allow Chicago to trade Quentin and slide Alex Rios over to right field, improving outfield defense and giving the team some upside.
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