Miami Marlins GM: Cuban Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes Not Yet 'Unblocked'

Saturday, Miami Marlins' General Manager Michael Hill was on 790 The Ticket's "Marlins Insider" from Marlins Park, answering various different questions about the new stadium, the free agent signings, where he feels the Marlins stand, and most notably, Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.

"We have had multiple people watching him play," Hill said. "We are taking everything into account."

Hill eventually went on to reveal an interesting piece of information in regards to Cespedes. Although he is technically a free agent, he still has various steps to take until he can enter the United States.

"Yes, he has been declared a free agent by Major League Baseball," Hill explained. "However, it is an ongoing, two step process. He is still not unblocked. We are able to communicate with his agent, but cannot sign him."

Hill's use of the word "unblocked" is especially significant due to the fact that most expected teams to be able to negotiate with him as soon as he became a free agent. According to Hill, that is not the case.

"[Cespedes] was granted with temporary residency," Hill said. "He was granted his free agency, but must go through the United States Office of Treasury in order to become unblocked."

Once teams can offer him contracts, the Marlins are one of several teams that will likely be in the mix until he chooses where he wants to play. Hill also made it a point to say that the Marlins are fortunate in that Cespedes' agent represents several other Marlins players.

"We are very fortunate that his agent also represents other Marlins' players, such as Hanley Ramirez and Emilio Bonifacio," Hill told Marlins radio voice Glenn Geffner.

Cespedes has been linked to multiple different clubs, most recently the Chicago Cubs. Hill claimed that Cespedes should at least consider playing for the Marlins because "this is South Florida" and "Little Havana is right around the corner."

Hill also said that Cespedes should at least come explore Miami to see "who we are" and "what we represent."

"It would only make sense for him to visit," Hill suggested.

Of late, the Cespedes rumors have somewhat simmered down. While playing in the Dominican Winter League, Cespedes went 5-for-35 and hit his first home run.

When asked if his poor winter league numbers would make him less appealing, Hill responded with a positive tone.

"A lot of people just wanted to see him out there," Hill said. "Everybody knew what he was. They just wanted to see him in live competition."

During the final minutes of the show, Hill went on to explain the Marlins' approach when it comes to luring in Cespedes.

"We are going to do what we can to make him a Marlin," Hill insisted.