Several years ago, the Philadelphia Phillies lost the battle to sign free agent Yasmany Tomas. In 2018, they look like they lucked out with that loss.
Following the 2014 MLB season, the Philadelphia Phillies were in a state of disarray. This didn’t stop some from believing they were a favorite to sign Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas. The big, powerful slugger was ready for an MLB contract. After months of speculation, Tomas ended up joining the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks agreed to sign Tomas to a six-year deal worth almost $70 million. Team-friendly for the first few years, Tomas embarks on the 2018 season with a lot more money coming his way.
Why would the Diamondbacks ever agree to pay an unproven player so much money?
Tomas’ potential looked unlimited. Still in his early 20s, the Diamondbacks looked like they had secured the next Yoenis Cespedes for years to come. Tomas belted home runs regularly while in Cuba and was sure to do the same once landing in the states, right?
One issue facing the Phillies in their possible pursuit of Tomas was his defense. The man didn’t have a natural position. Some believed this would limit him to the American League. The Diamondbacks looked beyond this shortcoming. They decided Tomas could play some first base, third base, and the corner outfield. It didn’t take long for them to realize just how terrible he was with the glove.
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Worse, Tomas didn’t perform as well as predicted on offense. His first season ended on a .273/.305/.401 note and nine home runs in 426 trips to the plate. The following year, Tomas did make a positive turn. Along with a.272/.313/.508 batting line, the 25-year-old belted 31 home runs. Perhaps the Phillies did lose this free agent battle after all.
Then came the 2017 campaign. Injuries hampered Tomas’ season, limiting him to only 180 plate appearances. Tomas turned in a career-worst .241/.294/.464 batting line — though his eight home runs averaged better than what he accomplished in his rookie year, faltering in other areas put him in the doghouse.
Over the next three seasons, the Diamondbacks owe Tomas a whopping $46 million. Had the Phillies been the ones to sign him, imagine where they would be.
I suppose there’s a lesson to learn here. When rebuilding, risks like this one may not pay off. The Diamondbacks were already cleared to contend, so it didn’t hurt them quite as much as it would have damaged the Phillies.
Next: Fernandez’s death “turning point” for Miami Marlins
Although not quite the same but somewhat similar, it’s essential the Phillies do not let the recent Carlos Santana deal hurt them too badly. If that’s all the general manager has in the chamber, he could end up shooting blanks real fast.