Yasmany Tomas Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation on Cuban Star

Cuban star Yasmany Tomas is sure to be one of the hottest names on the MLB free-agent market this winter. After multiple teams lined up to sign him, Tomas has reportedly decided to join the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Continue for updates.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Tomas Reportedly Signs With Arizona

Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com has the latest on Tomas:

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Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas and the D-backs have agreed to a six-year deal worth $68.5 million, according to industry sources.

The Tomas deal will include an opt-out after four years and is pending a physical, the sources said. The D-backs have not confirmed the agreement.

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Tomas Mulling Contract Lengths

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports notes that it's not just the teams offering the contracts that Yasmany Tomas is considering; the deal length is also important:

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Diamondbacks Join List of Tomas Suitors, Braves Scout Cuban Star

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Yasmany Tomas has added a new team to his considerable list of suitors:

 Meanwhile the Braves are aggressively pursuing the Cuban star according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com:

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While evaluating trade options involving Justin Upton, the Braves have continued to aggressively pursue Yasmany Tomas, the Cuban sensation who could immediately fill one of the corner-outfield positions in Atlanta.

The Braves got a glimpse of Tomas during a workout in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday. Manager Fredi Gonzalez, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, assistant general manager John Coppolella and top international scout Gordon Blakeley were among the club representatives in attendance.

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Saturday, Nov. 22

Braves Enter Fray for Tomas

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that a new team has entered the hunt for Yasmany Tomas:

Friday, Nov. 21

Favorites Emerge in Yasmany Tomas Race

Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that two teams have emerged as favorites to land Tomas:

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The Braves and Padres have emerged as the favorites in the Tomas’ sweepstakes and top officials from both clubs are expected to meet with him this weekend in the Dominican Republic, according to industry sources.

What’s more, sources indicate Tomas is currently mulling offers and his camp is considering attending Winter Meetings in San Diego next month. The slugger is believed to be seeking at least a five to seven year deal with an annual salary near $15 million, but the Tomas’ camp has not ruled out the possibility of signing a short-term, high-value deal that would allow him to return to the market sooner rather than later.

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Thursday, Nov. 20

Tomas Set to Meet Interested Teams at Winter Meetings

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman has an update on Tomas's schedule:

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Barring a team stepping out quickly with the right number, the plan calls for free agent Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas to attend baseball's winter meetings, which begin Dec. 8 at San Diego. So don't expect a signing before then.

Tomas has acquired a visa allowing him to make the trek, where he will meet with interested teams.

Tomas is said to be shooting to beat Rusney Castillo's $72.5-million, six-year Red Sox deal, and his big-time power gives him a chance to do that. Tomas is said to have put on some monster home run displays at workouts for teams in recent days.

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Heyman later reported on potential suitors for Tomas:

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The Atlanta Braves have entered the Yasmany Tomas sweepstakes as a dark horse.

The Braves are slated to watch Tomas and his exploits in coming days, according to sources.

They join a big field eyeing the free-agent Cuban slugger. The Phillies, Padres and Giants have been seen as the most aggressive pursuers of the outfielder/third baseman, but there's been a lot of talk about a mystery team winning his services in recent days.

 

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Philles Reportedly Drop out of Tomas Race

Paul Hagen of MLB.com has an update on one team potentially dropping out of the race to land Tomas:

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The Phillies, once considered favorites to land free agent outfielder Yasmany Tomas, have cooled on the idea of signing the 23-year-old Cuban defector, according to Major League sources.

While the Phils, who had a private workout with Tomas, still like his bat there are concerns about his defense. They now view him as more of a designated hitter-type player, the sources added.

Of course, that thinking could change if the price for Tomas, once estimated to be as high as $100 million, begins to come down. The Phillies are trying to trade right fielder Marlon Byrd with an eye toward moving Domonic Brown from left to right. That would mean they would need to fill the vacancy in left internally (Grady Sizemore, Darin Ruf, Aaron Altherr) or from outside the organization.

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Thursday, Nov. 13

Tomas Headed to United States, Deal Imminent

Jorge Arangure of Vice Sports reported on Yasmany Tomas as he looks to move to the major leagues:

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports provides the latest update on who is interested in Tomas:

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Royals Interested in Tomas

With Billy Butler's future with the Kansas City Royals in doubt, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports they could turn their attention to Yasmany Tomas:

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They have shown interest in Cuban outfielder Yasmani Tomas, a 24-year-old slugger who has wowed observers at recent workouts in the Dominican Republic and drawn comparisons to his countryman, White Sox first baseman and American League Rookie of the Year José Abreu.

 

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Wednesday, Nov. 5

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Phillies are "all over" the 23-year-old outfielder and third baseman. Heyman is also reporting that it may take $100 million to secure the promising slugger. One person who believes he is worth the price tag is his agent, Jay Alou:

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He is evolving. Every week he is a different guy. He's getting better and better and better. ... He's special. He's going to be Rookie of the Year and make the All-Star team. Yasmany Tomas has to be the most powerful guy I've ever seen. He absolutely devastates the ball to the opposite field.

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In addition to that, Alou has praised his client for his ability to play multiple positions:

Perhaps the Phillies are the front-runners at this point, but it seems likely that they will have to outbid some other strong contenders as well.

MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez revealed a list of five teams that had taken a liking to Tomas in addition to Philly last month:

There is always some level of risk involved with signing a somewhat unknown commodity to a huge contract, but the payoff can be potentially huge. Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is a perfect example.

Tomas hit .375 with two home runs and five RBI for Cuba in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, so he has flashed his impressive skills on the big stage.

If he can carry that over to the majors, then he will turn out to be a huge signing for the Phillies or whichever team ultimately lands him.

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