Deep down, I think we all knew that Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas would end up with a mystery team. Sure enough, the mystery team has won once again. But I think the identity of this year’s mystery team has shocked most of us – it’s the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have agreed to signed Tomas according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
The six-year, $68.5 million pact falls short of the $72.5 million that the Red Sox gave Rusney Castillo this summer, but just surpasses the $68 million that Jose Abreu got from the White Sox a year ago. The 24-year old Tomas has the ability to cash in once again, as the contract contains an opt-out after four years.
The most likely position for Tomas will be right field, due to the presence of Mark Trumbo in left and Paul Goldschmidt at first. Of course, Arizona still owes Cody Ross $10.5 million, so it wouldn’t shock me to see the D-Backs look to move Ross or Trumbo in the coming weeks and months.
For now, Arizona’s got their man, even if there are plenty of questions about Tomas. Can he even play the outfield adequately? Will his power translate to the majors like Jose Abreu’s did? Can he hit well enough and get on base enough to be a viable option at the dish? It’s a gamble for Arizona, but for a franchise that seemed directionless under the previous Kevin Towers regime, at least Dave Stewart and company appear to have a method to their madness.
The Diamondbacks have three solid middle of the order bats, a glut of talent up the middle, and plenty of young pitching. Their continued maturation in 2015 will be something to keep an eye on.
[MLB.com]
