Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

Cespedes has been compared to a young Howie Kendrick. It’s a lofty comparison, but Cespedes has a chance to be a special prospect.

He’s compact and strong with plus bat speed and noteworthy raw power. He already shows an advanced approach at the plate and projects to be a solid everyday Major League player in the future because of his overall skill set.

The versatile teen can play any infield position but will likely end up at second base or third base. He also projects to have an average arm and be an average runner.

Off the field, Cespedes has also been praised for his makeup, baseball IQ and great work ethic. Cespedes trains with Josue Mateo. The Red Sox are among the teams who have shown interest in him. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 45 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

The Red Sox gave Cespedes the largest bonus ($1.4 million) in their 2023 international class because he was one of the more advanced hitters on the market. He won their Latin program player of the year award after hitting .346/.392/.560 in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in his pro debut. He posted similar numbers in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League last spring, earning a promotion to Single-A at age 18, but he never played at that level because of a broken left hamate.

Cespedes earns Howie Kendrick comparisons for his hitting ability and stocky build. With his quick right-handed swing and fine hand-eye coordination, he regularly barrels balls and produces high exit velocities. He already displays the aptitude to launch pitches in the air to his pull side, which could result in 20-homer power. His aggressive approach and ease of contact may mean that he'll need to adjust and lay off more pitches at higher levels.

Though Cespedes played mostly shortstop in his first two pro seasons, like Kendrick he's more of a second baseman. He has fringy speed and range at short, and his arm is merely average. He has played mostly at second in 2025 and some scouts wonder if he might wind up as a left fielder in the long run.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

One of the more advanced hitters in the 2023 international class, Cespedes landed the largest bonus in Boston's crop. Signed for $1.4 million out of the Dominican Republic, he earns Howie Kendrick comparisons for his hitting ability and stocky build. The Red Sox named him their Latin program player of the year after he slashed .346/.392/.560 in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in his pro debut, during which he also stood out with his baseball IQ and work ethic.

Extremely advanced for an 18-year-old hitter, Cespedes recognizes pitches and manages the strike zone well. He has a quick right-handed stroke and fine hand-eye coordination, enabling him to barrel balls with ease. He also hits harder than most players his age and already shows the aptitude to drive the ball in the air to his pull side.

While there's little doubt Cespedes is equipped to hit for average and power, there are questions as to whether he's a long-term shortstop. He has average speed and arm strength, which aren't quite up to the standards for the position, and he could slow as he matures physically. He projects as more of a second or third baseman but would have no problem fitting the offensive profile at either position.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45 

Cespedes signed for $1.4 million out of the Dominican Republic in January, landing the largest bonus in Boston's 2023 international class. Considered one of the more advanced hitters available on the global market, he has lived up to that reputation by thriving in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. His offensive ability and short stature prompt some Howie Kendrick comparisons. 

A right-handed hitter, Cespedes recognizes pitches and controls the strike zone more than most players his age. He looks to do damage but isn't overly aggressive, making a lot of hard contact and using the entire field. With his bat speed and projectable strength, he could have 20-homer power once he's fully developed. 

While Cespedes has a chance to remain at shortstop, most scouts believe he's destined for second or third base. He has average speed and arm strength, but his range and throwing may be a tick light for shortstop. Besides his physical ability, he also earns praise for his baseball IQ and work ethic. 

Awards

FCL Player of the Week

Week	Team
06/09/2024

DSL Mid-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2023

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/06/2025	activated SS Yoeilin Cespedes.
	10/31/2024	Salem Red Sox activated SS Yoeilin Cespedes from the 60-day injured list.
	07/15/2024	Salem Red Sox transferred SS Yoeilin Cespedes from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
	07/03/2024	Salem Red Sox placed SS Yoeilin Cespedes on the 7-day injured list.
	06/25/2024	SS Yoeilin Cespedes assigned to Salem Red Sox from FCL Red Sox.
	05/03/2024	SS Yoeilin Cespedes assigned to FCL Red Sox from DSL Red Sox Blue.
	03/07/2024	Boston Red Sox Prospects activated SS Yoeilin Cespedes.
	07/29/2023	DSL AL All-Stars activated SS Yoeilin Cespedes.
	06/05/2023	SS Yoeilin Cespedes assigned to DSL Red Sox Blue.
	01/15/2023	Boston Red Sox signed free agent SS Yoeilin Cespedes to a minor league contract.