The Cuban outfielder agreed to a four-year deal with the Athletics worth a reported $36 million on Monday. After receiving his unblocking license from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, Cespedes was free to sign a contract.
In the beginning of the offseason, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington confirmed they had scouted Cespedes. Considering the slugger's asking price, the Red Sox never emerged as serious contenders to sign the 26-year-old.
The Marlins were among the teams courting Cespedes and reportedly gave him a tour of the organization's new facilities last week.
Cespedes' deal with the Athletics eclipses Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman's $30.25 contract with the Reds in 2010. He joins former Red Sox outfielders Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick as well as Jonny Gomes and Seth Smith in Oakland's outfield shuffle.
