Yoenis Cespedes Signs with Oakland A's: 5 Bold Predictions for First MLB Season

While all of the talk about Yoenis Cespedes had seemingly shifted toward the Miami Marlins, the Oakland Athletics were able to swoop in under the radar and sign the Cuban sensation.

According to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports, Cespedes signed a four-year deal with the Athletics that is worth $36 million. 

He should be a key part of the Athletics outfield this season. There will be high expectations for Cespedes this season, and he may not be able to live up to them.

He Will Spend Some Time in the Minor Leagues

Yoenis Cespedes will arrive in time for Spring Training, but that does not mean that he will be playing with the big league team right away.

Fellow Cubans Dayan Viciedo and Aroldis Chapman both spent time in the minors before they reached the majors. The same thing could happen to Cespedes, though he won't spend much time in the minors. At most, Cespedes will play 15 games in the minor leagues.

Cespedes Will Hit 20 Home Runs

One of the things that has people talking about Cespedes is five-tool potential. He showed off his power in the Cuban League last season when he hit 33 home runs in 2011.

Cespedes' power should carry over to the Major Leagues. He has the potential to hit at least 20 home runs in 2012.

Photo Credit: Rumors and Rants

Cespedes Will Also Steal 20 Bases

While it may be a bit bold to predict Cespedes to have a 20/20 season during his first year in the majors, it is a situation that is very possible.

Cespedes is a speedster who knows his way around the basepaths. He should get the green light a lot this season when it comes to stealing bases.

Yoenis Cespedes Will Win a Gold Glove

Yoenis Cespedes is supposed to be an outstanding defender. He has a lot of range thanks to his speed, and he has a good glove.

Cespedes will have some solid competition for the Gold Glove, but if he is as good as he is advertised to be, then it will be possible for him to win the award.

Photo Credit: Baseball Instinct

He Will Be the AL Rookie of the Year

Based on the the past three predictions, it makes sense that Cespedes would be the American League Rookie of the Year.

A 20/20 year to go along with a Gold Glove means that Cespedes will likely be the best rookie in the American League. Cespedes will face some stiff competition for players such as Matt Moore, but he should come out on top.

Photo Credit: Rumors and Rants