As reported by Francys Romero late yesterday, the Chicago White Sox have cut ties with Cuban outfielder Yoelqui Céspedes late yesterday. The outfielder was #1 ranked prospect of the International signing period of 2020, when he signed for $2M dollars with the team from the Southside of Chicago.
Yoenis Céspedes’ younger brother defected from the Cuban National Team during an incursion and worked out in the Bahamas until he was declared a free agent by MLB. In his three seasons in the Sox’s farm system he slashed .253/.331/.410/.741 while also hitting 35 longballs and driving in 123 runs.
Sources confirms that Cuban OF Yoelqui Cespedes was released by the Chicago White Sox two days ago.
Yoelqui signed in 2021 for $2M bonus. In 3 seasons in MiLB he batted .253, 35 HR, with 379 SO in 314 games.
1st with this news: @JRFegan pic.twitter.com/wMe5mskIW9
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) March 29, 2024
Although he has plenty of raw power the native of Yara, Cuba struck out an eye-popping 379 times in 1,168 at-bats during his time in Chicago. With this release it can be said that Céspedes was one of the biggest busts ever for the team in international free agency. This will not be the end for Céspedes though, he could very well end up in Asia, México or another farm system.
During his four seasons in the Serie Nacional he slashed .287/.352/.415/.766, while also hitting 12 homers and driving in 98 runs. Céspedes has seen action in the World Baseball Classic and other international competitions with the Cuban National Team.