Yoenis Céspedes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yoenis Céspedes
Céspedes with the New York Mets in 2015
Outfielder
Born: (1985-10-18) October 18, 1985 (age 39) Campechuela, Granma Province, Cuba
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
March 28, 2012, for the Oakland Athletics
Last appearance
August 1, 2020, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
Batting average	.273
Home runs	165
Runs batted in	528
Teams
Oakland Athletics (2012–2014) Boston Red Sox (2014) Detroit Tigers (2015) New York Mets (2015–2018, 2020)
Career highlights and awards
2× All-Star (2014, 2016) Gold Glove Award (2015) Silver Slugger Award (2016)
Medals Men's baseball Representing  Cuba Baseball World Cup Silver 2009 Nettuno Team Intercontinental Cup Gold 2010 Taichung Team Pan American Games Gold 2007 Rio de Janeiro Team World University Baseball Championship Gold 2010 Tokyo Team

Yoenis Céspedes Milanés (born October 18, 1985) is a former professional baseball player from Cuba. He was an outfielder known for his powerful hitting and strong throwing arm. People often called him "La Potencia", which means "The Power".

Céspedes played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. He made his MLB debut on March 28, 2012. Before joining MLB, he was a star player in the Cuban National Series and won gold medals with the Cuban national team. He also won the Home Run Derby twice in MLB.

Early Life and Baseball Start

Yoenis Céspedes was born in Campechuela, a small town in Granma Province, Cuba. His family had a strong connection to baseball. His mother, Estela Milanés, was a softball pitcher who played for Cuba in the 2000 Summer Olympics. His father, Cresencio Céspedes, was a catcher in the Cuban League.

When Yoenis was 10 years old, his mother sent him to a special state-run school. This school helped him focus on developing his baseball skills.

Cuban Baseball Career

Before he left Cuba, Céspedes played for the Alazanes de Granma in the Cuban National Series. He started playing there in the 2003–04 Cuban National Series season. He quickly showed his talent, hitting well and showing power.

In the 2005–06 season, he hit 23 home runs and had 78 runs batted in (RBI). He was one of the top players in the league. Even though he played very well, he was not chosen for Cuba's team in the first 2006 World Baseball Classic. Many experts thought he was one of the best players left off the team.

Céspedes continued to be a top hitter in Cuba. He often led the league in runs scored. He also showed his speed by stealing bases.

Playing for Cuba's National Team

Céspedes was a key player for the Cuban national team. He played in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, where he hit very well. He had a high slugging percentage and hit two home runs in six games. He was even named to the All-WBC team for his great performance.

He also helped Cuba win gold medals in other international tournaments. These included the 2010 Intercontinental Cup and the 2010 World University Baseball Championship. He was known for his strong hitting and ability to drive in runs for his team.

In the 2010–2011 season, he had an amazing year. He hit 33 home runs, which was a new league record at the time. He also led the league in RBI with 99.

2023 World Baseball Classic Return

Céspedes played for Cuba again in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. This was special because it was the first time the Cuban team allowed players who had left Cuba to join the team. He played in two games in the first round. After that, he returned to the United States for personal reasons.

Major League Baseball Journey

In 2011, Céspedes left Cuba and traveled to the Dominican Republic. This allowed him to become a free agent in MLB, meaning he could sign with any team without going through the MLB draft. Baseball experts saw him as a very talented player with many skills.

Oakland Athletics Years

On February 13, 2012, Céspedes signed a four-year contract worth $36 million with the Oakland Athletics. He started his MLB career playing center field. Later, he moved to left field.

Céspedes with the Oakland Athletics in 2012

He made his MLB debut on March 28, 2012. The next day, he hit his first major league home run. On June 21, he hit his first "walk-off" home run, which means it won the game for his team. The Athletics went on to win their division that year.

Home Run Derby Champion

In 2013, Céspedes was a last-minute addition to the Home Run Derby. He surprised everyone by winning the competition. He hit 32 home runs in total, including 17 in the first round. He beat Bryce Harper in the final round. He was the first player to win the Derby without being chosen for the All-Star Game that year.

Céspedes had a good season in 2013, hitting 26 home runs and 80 RBI. He dealt with some injuries to his wrist, hamstring, and knee.

Strong Arm and Second Derby Win

In 2014, Céspedes was known for his incredibly strong throwing arm. He made several amazing throws from the outfield to stop runners from scoring. One famous throw was on June 10 against the Los Angeles Angels. He threw the ball 300 feet to throw out Howie Kendrick at home plate. He led the league with 11 outfield assists that season.

Céspedes with the Boston Red Sox in 2014

Céspedes was chosen for the 2014 MLB All-Star Game. On July 14, he won the Home Run Derby for the second time. This made him the first player since Ken Griffey Jr. to win the Derby in back-to-back years.

Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers

On July 31, 2014, Céspedes was traded to the Boston Red Sox. He hit five home runs and had 33 RBI in 51 games with Boston. For the entire 2014 season, he finished with 22 home runs and 100 RBI.

On December 11, 2014, the Red Sox traded Céspedes to the Detroit Tigers. In his first game with the Tigers, he made a great play by robbing a home run. He continued to play well for the Tigers.

Céspedes with the Detroit Tigers in 2015

Céspedes won a Gold Glove Award in 2015 for his excellent defense in left field. He was only the second player in MLB history to win a Gold Glove after being traded between leagues in the same season.

New York Mets Star

Céspedes with the New York Mets in 2015

On July 31, 2015, Céspedes was traded to the New York Mets. He had an amazing impact on the Mets. In his first 41 games, he hit 17 home runs and had 42 RBI. His powerful hitting helped the Mets take a big lead in their division. He was even named the National League Player of the Week in September.

Céspedes helped the Mets reach the 2015 World Series. In the playoffs, he made key plays, including a home run in the Division Series and a strong throw to home plate in the Championship Series. Although the Mets lost the World Series, Céspedes was a huge part of their success that year.

Re-signing and Injuries

After the 2015 season, Céspedes re-signed with the Mets for a three-year, $75 million contract. In 2016, he continued to hit well, including a grand slam that helped the Mets score 12 runs in one inning. He was named to the 2016 MLB All-Star Game but could not play due to an injury. He finished 2016 with 31 home runs and 86 RBI.

Céspedes signed another contract with the Mets in November 2016, this time for four years and $110 million. In 2017, he hit three home runs in one game. However, he dealt with hamstring injuries that limited him to only 81 games.

In 2018, Céspedes again faced injuries. He played in only 38 games before needing surgery on both of his heels. This surgery meant he would miss a long time. He missed the entire 2019 season while recovering.

Return and Opt-Out

On July 24, 2020, Céspedes returned to play for the Mets in their season opener. He hit a home run in that game. However, on August 2, 2020, he decided to stop playing for the rest of the season. He chose to "opt out" due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. This ended his time with the Mets.

In November 2024, Céspedes shared that he was interested in trying to play in MLB again.

Personal Life

Yoenis Céspedes lives in Manhattan, New York, during the baseball season. In the offseason, he has a ranch in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He has a son, Yoenis Jr., whom he has not seen since he left Cuba. He has been trying to bring his son to the United States. His half-brother, Yoelqui Céspedes, also played professional baseball.

Céspedes is known for his love of unique cars. He arrived at spring training in 2016 with several custom sports cars. His collection included a custom Ford F-250 truck, Polaris Slingshots, a Lamborghini, and a Jeep Wrangler. He also once bought a 270-pound hog from a local fair.

Awards and Achievements

Céspedes has earned many awards and achievements throughout his career:

• He won three gold medals with the Cuban national team.
• He is a 2-time Home Run Derby champion (2013, 2014).
• He was part of the New York Mets team that won the National League championship in 2015.
• He was named to the All-World Baseball Classic Team in 2009.
• He was a 2-time MLB All-Star (2014, 2016).
• He won a Gold Glove Award for his defense in 2015.
• He won a Silver Slugger Award for his hitting in 2016.
• He led all outfielders in assists in 2014.

See also

In Spanish: Yoenis Céspedes para niños

• List of baseball players who defected from Cuba
• List of Major League Baseball players from Cuba