Some good news for Phillies fans looking for the team to rebuild: one top, young talented free agent is on the Phillies radar. Last month the Phillies held a private workout for Yasmany Tomas, a Cuban power hitting outfielder.
Andy Martino of the New York Daily News (formerly Phillies beat reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer) reports:
People involved in the process now identify the Phillies as strong contenders for Tomas, and the Padres and Dodgers as far less likely. “And don’t count out the Tigers,” one source said.
Baseball America gave a glowing scouting report upon news of his exit from Cuba:
A righthanded-hitting corner outfielder, Tomas can hit towering home runs thanks to the strength from his thickly-built 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame. Tomas has 70 raw power on the 20-80 scale, and with Jose Abreu already gone, the only player still in Cuba with more raw power than him was Alfredo Despaigne. He has some experience in center field and is a decent runner for his size, but his speed is still below-average and he’s going to be a corner outfielder in pro ball.
Tomas would be an important building block for a Phillies team that is desperate to add young talent in the midst of an aging veteran core. Tomas is just 23 years old and polished to the point that he could help the Phillies' big league club sooner than later.
As for cost, Martino says that Tomas may be pricier due to his age and the fact that the signing team would not have to give up any talent to sign him:
Multiple executives with teams interested in Tomas say that, if he were a free agent, he would be a $15 million per year player, making a 5-year, $75 million contract for 23-year-old reasonable. But because he is not attached to a draft pick, and will be the subject of a bidding war, Tomas could easily end up with a $100 million deal, executives say.
If all Tomas will cost the Phillies is money, the Phillies should jump on the opportunity. Any chance the Phillies have to land a young prospect without giving up talent from their short supply is important for the rebuilding club.
Note: Some previous reports worded Tomas' first name as "Yasmani", and today's Daily News report refers to him as "Yasmany". Either way: sign him, Phillies.
