Jul 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) of the Oakland Athletics gets toweled off by Alexei Ramirez (left) and Jose Abreu (right) of the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2014 Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Have you heard of Cuban born, Free-Agent Outfielder, Yasmani Tomás (Yasmany Tomas)? Learn that name now because he is being compared to Yoenis Cespedes, Yasiel Puig, and Jose Abreu. The Cuban power hitter will turn 24 on November 14th, and is looking to sign a Major League contract.
His agent, Jay Alou, has shot down rumors and speculation about various offers but admittedly believes his contract should surpass that of Jose Abreu’s (Six-year – $68 million). Rob Bradford of WEEI.com quoted Alou discussing the comparison between Abreu and Tomas:
"“He’s got more power than Abreu. He’s got a lot more power. Abreu’s a little older, more mature with his bat. Sometimes it takes guys longer to figure things out. And the last couple of weeks, a lot of things have clicked for Yasmany. I can tell you he’s got a lot more power than anyone I’ve ever seen. A lot.”"
So what will it take to land the Cuban slugger?
"So, the Yasmany Tomas number I think he’s looking at is somewhere around the 7 years, $90-95 million mark. – John Stolnis (@FelskeFiles) November 12, 2014"
In an article by CBSsports.com’s Jon Heyman states: “Tomas has told teams he wants to beat Rusney Castillo’s record $72.5-million, six-year Red Sox deal, and his handlers suggest they’ve never insisted on $100 million plus, as has been mentioned in some reports. In fact, agent Jay Alou suggested they already turned down an eight-year offer and are preferring a slightly shorter deal, for perhaps five to seven years, so he can get back on the free-agent market when he’s around 30.”
There are rumors stating only 3 teams remain in the running for Yasmany Tomas. There’s more info floating around about which teams he will not be signing with, but what about those still in consideration? What about the Oakland Athletics?With reports claiming Tomas is seeking a contract that could exceed $100 million, are the A’s REALLY considering him? Surprisingly, yes.
"Count the #Athletics among the teams with interest in Yasmany Tomas; I’m told they have discussed him, have seen him “a lot” past 18 months. – Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) November 12, 2014"
Perhaps it’s not impossible that the A’s will sign him, sure it’s unlikely, but it’s not impossible at this point. Susan Slusser discussed in her article that she’s “told the A’s have discussed him, and they have scouted Tomas “a lot” over the past 18 months. Tomas, who turns 24 on Friday, hit .290 and had a slugging percentage of .504 in five seasons in Cuba. In the last World Baseball Classic, where he was one of Cuba’s youngest players, Tomas homered twice and hit .375.”
UPDATE: It appears we will not have to wait long to know where he will be signing.
"Source: Yasmani Tomas scheduled to fly to US tomorrow to meet with agent. Deal appears imminent, possibly by the weekend. – Jorge Arangure (@jorgearangure) November 13, 2014Someone get the @CIA to track what flight Yasmany Tomas will be boarding so we can determine the mystery team – Sean #WFC (@SeanD25) November 13, 2014"
Just because the A’s have had their eye on him does not necessarily mean this will lead to an actual offer to him, especially given the large competition to sign Yasmany Tomas. Not that our opinion on the acquisition carries any weight, but would you want the A’s to sign Yasmany Tomas?
Is he the next Jose Abreu? The next Yasiel Puig or Yoenis Cespedes? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below or tweeting to me (@JenniferTrumpp).