Nationals reportedly have interest in Yoenis Cespedes

The one-year anniversary of the Nationals shocking the baseball world by signing right-hander Max Scherzer to blockbuster seven-year, $210 million contract just passed. At the time, the deal had many scratching their heads, with the Nats already boasting the National League's top rotation from top to bottom.

Fast-forward to this January and rumors of another free agent signing has left some baffled. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Nationals showed interest in Justin Upton before the three-time All-Star outfielder inked a six-year, $132.75 million deal with the Tigers. Nightengale indicates the Nationals may turn their attention to outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, with FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal confirming interest - if Cespedes' price drops.

Cespedes had a unique season in 2015. He was recognized as the best defensive left fielder in the American League with a Gold Glove award after playing the first 102 games of the year with the Tigers. Then, following a trade deadline move to the Mets in late July, Cespedes finished 13^th in the NL MVP voting after igniting New York's offense with 17 homers, 44 RBIs and a .942 OPS in just 57 games.

In 159 games combined with the Tigers and Mets last year, Cespedes slashed .291/.328/.542 with 35 home runs, 42 doubles, six triples, 105 RBIs and 101 runs scored. How could Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo not at least pick up the phone for that?

Rizzo reportedly flirted with a trade for Cespedes last July before the Mets acquired him just before the deadline. That single move changed the complexion of the race between the Nats and the Mets, with New York racing past Washington in August and then laying them to rest in early September.

Cespedes has been seeking a contract in the neighborhood of what Upton received. But at 30 and with some questions of motivation, teams have been reluctant to extend a long-term deal. That's where the Mets reportedly stand, not willing to commit to signing Cespedes for more than two or three years. It's likely Rizzo's position with the Nationals, as well.

But the main questions surrounding the Nationals' interest concern how Cespedes fits on South Capitol Street. First of all, he potentially becomes the bash brother NL MVP Bryce Harper needs in the lineup. That part is clear.

But the outfield would certainly be a bit crowded. Left field is Cespedes' best position, though he is also capable of playing center and possesses a big arm. Despite his struggles last season, Jayson Werth isn't going anywhere, especially with $42 million still owed over the final two years of his contract. And Rizzo just traded for Ben Revere, who is expected to start in center field and be the Nationals' leadoff hitter.

After avoiding arbitration last week, Revere will reportedly make $6.25 million 2016. That may seem like a lot to not start every day, but the Nats signed reserve outfielder Nate McLouth to a two-year, $10.75 million deal before the 2014 season to serve as the fourth outfielder.

An argument could be made for the Nationals giving Cespedes a long-term deal just as they did with Scherzer. Knowing they would likely lose right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister to free agency after the 2015 season, locking up Scherzer gave the Nationals a worthy replacement.

Werth played in only 88 games a year ago and he's gone after two seasons. Signing Cespedes gives the Nats options over the next few years with Michael A. Taylor hopefully continuing his development as the team's center fielder of the future.

The Astros, White Sox and Angels are among the other teams reportedly interested in Cespedes. It's probably unlikely that he ends up in D.C. My guess is Cespedes ends up back with the Mets in 2016 with the deal he's been waiting on.