Position: OF
Born: 9/27/1997
Ht: 5’9″ Wt: 205 lb B-T: R-R
Acquired: Signed for $2,050,000 from Cuba in 2021
FutureSox Prospect Rankings
- #9 – 2021 Preseason
FutureSox Media
- Yoelqui Cespedes’ Availability and White Sox Interest, March 2020
- White Sox to sign Cuban OF Yoelqui Cespedes for $2 million, Dec. 2020
- All FutureSox articles tagged Yoelqui Cespedes
Scouting Report
Cespedes, the younger half-brother of big leaguer Yoenis Cespedes, was one of the most sought after prospects in the international class that signed on Jan. 15, 2021. He was already 23 by the time he signed, a signing which was delayed by the pandemic. He defected at the Can-Am League in New York in June of 2019 and added considerable bulk since then while working out with his brother.
When in Cuba, the outfielder played for Granma in the Serie Nacional and he hit .273/.352/.400 with six homers back in 2018. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, Cespedes possesses a shorter but athletic frame. He’s always shown good bat speed and a strong throwing arm. He’s considered to be a plus runner, solid defender and line drive hitter, but the physical ascension could change some of that profile.
Major League Outlook: Everyday right fielder with a chance to play center field
ETA: 2023