So much for Yoenis Cespedes becoming a slugging version of Livan Hernandez. The Cuban defector has spurned the Miami Marlins in favor of the Oakland Athletics, signing a 4-year deal worth $36 million.

 

The Marlins had reportedly offered Cespedes a six-year deal worth between $30 million and $35 million when he met with the team last week. 

 

Adam Katz, Cespedes' agent, confirmed to the Associated Press Monday that both sides have agreed to the deal, though some details have yet to be finalized.

 

Marlin President David Samson had promised the team would be "aggressive to the point of stupidity" in its effort to sign Cespedes. Now it is clear that the point of stupidity is just north of $35 million, or $12 million per year.

 

Though the Marlins offered two more years than the A's, a four-year deal actually gives Cespedes a better chance to sign a second deal when he becomes a free agent in four years. 30-year-old power hitters are worth more than 32-year-old hitters, so Cespedes stands to gain more when he negotiates his next deal.

 

Instead of Cespedes patrolling centerfield at the new stadium, the Marlins will likely start Emilio Bonifacio at that position. Chris Coghlan and Bryan Petersen each have an outside shot at winning the starting spot, but either will need a strong performance in Spring Training to unseat Bonifacio.

 

The Marlins did get one bit of good news on Monday. MLB confirmed that the team will be featured on Showtime's baseball reality series The Franchise.