NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Four teams have shown the most interest so far in Yoenis Cespedes, and three are no surprise.

The Angels, Giants and Tigers have been expected to bid aggressively for corner outfielders. But the fourth club is a shock – the World Series champion Royals.

Both of Kansas City’s 2015 corner outfielders – Alex Gordon and Alex Rios – are free agents. The Royals are trying to retain Gordon.

But that did not preclude the Royals from inquiring on Cespedes, as well. However, Kansas City has come to a rather quick conclusion that Cespedes’ price tag will almost certainly be beyond its comfort zone. Gordon will cost a lesser, more tolerable amount. Royals GM Dayton Moore has acknowledged the team will try to save money by giving Jarrod Dyson a chance to be one of their regular corner outfielders.

The Mets have made little movement to suggest they want to keep Cespedes and have publicly acknowledged it is unlikely.

The Angels have been associated with just about every significant corner outfielder, and reports say they are in steady talks with Justin Upton. They are looking for someone to join Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun.

Cespedes would fit the Giants, who are looking for a left fielder who also may be able to play some center field should Angel Pagan suffer more injuries and/or deterioration in performance.

New Tigers GM Al Avila has said his club is not in pursuit of Cespedes. Detroit traded to the Mets just minutes before last season’s July 31 deadline. However, the Tigers were known to be fans of Cespedes, so there is a chance they can circle back later in the process.

With Ben Zobrist becoming the first big position player to sign a free agent deal, that could serve to launch a run of agreements.