I know, the updates on Yasmany Tomas aren't revealing enough to imply major significance, but now some executives have weighed in to provide some insight and the field of teams has reportedly been narrowed. Below we listed some of those teams in bold and provide an explanation for their pursuit of Tomas.
Philadelphia Phillies
When Tomas was officially cleared by the government to work in the United States back in September, the Phillies were considered strong candidates to land the 23-year-old. They've remained in the discussions since then and many are considering them the front-runner at this point in the sweepstakes. They were one of three teams to hold a private workout with the outfielder, and based on their need at the position (and also their need for a power bat), it's no surprise they're at the top of this list. With an aging lineup (Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, etc.) and no consistent young power bats in the outfield, Tomas is almost essential. Their power came from 37-year-old right fielder Marlon Byrd, who smacked 25 home runs and 85 RBIs. Left fielder Domonic Brown batted .235 with 10 home runs and 63 RBIs and center fielder Ben Revere, the team's leadoff hitter, batted .306 with two home runs and 28 RBIs. Although they may have to pay $100 million for Tomas, it would be a good move for the outfield as well as the future.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers are making all kinds of changes. They've hired a new manager and lost their bench coach and are likely going to lose their hitting coach. They opted not to pick up outfielder Alex Rios' option for 2015, which leaves an opening in right field. Leonys Martin is the only healthy and stable option right now. Left fielder Shin-Soo Choo underwent two surgeries at the end of the season for bone spurs in his elbow and ankle on top of having a poor debut year with the Rangers, batting .242 with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs. The surgeries may affect his health and/or slow his play in 2015. Prospect Jake Smolinski showed promise when he was called up in September (.349 average with three home runs and 12 RBIs), but it's unknown if he'll be in contention to start with the team in 2015. Instead of having questions throughout the offseason, the Rangers could sign Tomas, who they've held a private workout for, and know they'll have a power-hitting major league outfielder for the beginning of the season.
Detroit Tigers
General manager Dave Dombrowski likely has a sour taste in his mouth after missing out on Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo in August. Castillo signed with Boston for seven years and $72.5 million after the Tigers and Giants were also considered frontrunners in his pursuit. But now the Tigers' need in the outfield is obvious with Torii Hunter unsure of his return to baseball or the Tigers' willingness to re-sign him. This leaves an opening in right field for the 2015 season. Center fielder Rajai Davis will be a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, so if the Tigers sign Tomas they'll be set for 2016. They can begin to work in Steven Moya (.276 average with 35 home runs and 105 RBIs at Double-A Erie) in 2015 and test him in center field with Davis to prepare him for a full-time role in 2016. By that point, if Moya proves he can adjust to center field, Detroit can boast an outfield that would include J.D. Martinez, Moya and Tomas. But who knows, because the Tigers need to take care of some in-house needs that include Hunter, starting pitcher Max Scherzer, first baseman Victor Martinez and starter David Price (who they may have to trade in 2015 if he doesn't want to sign a long-term deal).
Other teams who have been in the Tomas discussions include the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins. The Giants, Mariners and Padres have an obvious need for him, but it was reported that the Padres (as well as the Dodgers) are backtracking. To this point, the interest of the rest remains murky.
