Yasmany Tomas: Not a Phillie
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
It seemed inevitable: The Phillies were going to sign Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas.
Based on the majority of rumors, the Phillies were the heavy favorite to sign the Cuban slugger. They had been one of the first teams to hold a private workout, and general manager Ruben Amaro reportedly wanted Tomas as one of the centerpieces of the team’s rebuilding efforts.
It was expected that the bidding for Tomas was going to get expensive. Numbers like $100 million over seven years were being thrown around. It was thought that the Phillies were one of the few teams that had the money and desire to meet that price.
Therefore, it was a bit of a surprise when it was announced that Tomas had agreed to a six-year/$68.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Why did the Phillies miss out on the guy they supposedly coveted so badly, especially when he signed for less money than expected? The key appears to be a clause in Tomas’ contract which allows him to opt out of the deal after four years.
Tomas could be after a Giancarlo Stanton-sized deal. Image: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Tomas likely took less money in exchange for the inclusion of the opt out clause. He can now become a free agent at age 28, and assuming he lives up to expectations, he might be poised to receive a Giancarlo Stanton-level deal in free agency.
Unfortunately for the Phillies, due to that opt out clause, Tomas went from a potential long-term building block of a rebuilding organization to a short-term fix for a team unlikely to contend over the next couple of seasons.
Many Phillies fans are disappointed by the news. The Phillies are unlikely to sign any major free agents, so Tomas looked like the only chance the Phillies had to make a major change this offseason. (Aside from possibly trading Cole Hamels, but that move certainly won’t make the team better in 2015)
The offseason is far from over. Maybe the Phillies will surprise us and have a big move in store. But as of right now, this offseason looks to be just as disappointing as the season that preceded it.