Report: White Sox won't offer Cespedes, Gordon more than 3 years

Though the Chicago White Sox remain interested in both Yoenis Cespedes and Alex Gordon, two of the best outfielders available in free agency, the club doesn't seem prepared to offer either player a contract longer than three years, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Earlier this week, the White Sox were identified (along with the Baltimore Orioles) as one of the favorites to land Cespedes, the 30-year-old who smacked a career-high 35 homers with an .870 OPS (137 OPS+) over 159 games for the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets in 2015. Cespedes, however, is thought to be seeking a contract of five or six years, and the White Sox are only inclined to sign him if he's willing to take a three-year deal or less.

Gordon, a three-time All-Star, has been linked to the White Sox for a while, too, and will likely command a smaller contract than Cespedes, who's younger and not attached to draft-pick compensation. Still, Gordon reportedly received a four-year offer earlier this offseason to stay with the Kansas City Royals, and may not be willing to accept a three-year deal (or less), even if the White Sox meet his reported asking price of roughly $20 million per season.

Related: Gordon refutes report Royals have 'no chance' to sign him

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn has reportedly considered other options to improve his outfield, as well, and could still opt for a complementary player in lieu of a marquee free agent, especially with Melky Cabrera, Adam Eaton, and Avisail Garcia under contract for 2016.