Yo! Are the Nationals serious about Cespedes?

When the Nationals made a serious run at Jason Heyward in December - reportedly offering a $200 million deal to the three-time Gold Glove Award winner - there was clear indication they intended on upgrading the outfield in 2016.

There was some chatter about a potential trade with Colorado for Carlos Gonzalez, but not much connected the Nationals to this winter's other two major free agent outfielders, Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes. It seemed even less likely the Nationals would get involved after general manager Mike Rizzo acquired outfielder Ben Revere in a trade with the Blue Jays on Jan. 8.

The move was expected to give the Nationals a leadoff hitter and starting center fielder in Revere with Jayson Werth in left and Bryce Harper in right. The trade seemingly also allowed for more seasoning for Michael A. Taylor, who hit 14 homers with 63 RBIs last season, while also letting him anchor a stronger bench.

So despite the sounds of a potentially crowded outfield, rumors are gaining momentum of the Nationals' interest in Cespedes. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported the Nats had pursued Upton - before he reached a six-year, $132.75 million deal with the Tigers on Monday night - and then turned their attention to Cespedes.

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal added that the Nationals' offer to Cespedes is lower than what Upton received from the Tigers. "But Nats ownership is intrigued by Cespedes," according to Rosenthal's sources.

There was speculation that teams may be able to land Cespedes for a shorter-term deal. That seems less likely now. Cespedes is 30, has already played on four teams in his four years in the majors and is coming off his best season. Why would he settle for anything less than a five-year contract in the neighborhood of $22 million per season?

The Nationals lost a substantial chunk of their payroll with free agents Ian Desmond, Denard Span, Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister leaving, so they have the money for Cespedes.

The reported intrigue from ownership is understandable. Combined with Harper, Cespedes would bring a powerful one-two punch for the Nationals, feared by opposing pitchers.

Defensively, there would be questions with signing Cespedes. But not bad ones. Cespedes won a Gold Glove in the American League last season for his play in left field. He has a cannon for an arm and is capable of playing center, though not as skillfully. Harper could potentially move to center with Werth going back to right and Cespedes in left. That leaves Revere and Taylor coming off the bench and likely sharing time spelling Werth.

Obviously, signing Cespedes also deals another blow to the Mets after nabbing second baseman Daniel Murphy last month. Along with the Astros and White Sox, the Mets are reportedly among the teams pursuing Cespedes, who helped them bury the Nationals late last summer.