Diamondbacks agree to sign Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas

The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to sign Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas to a six-year, $65.8 million deal, MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reports. The deal includes an opt-out clause after four years.

The 24-year-old Tomas received interest from numerous clubs, including the Padres, Mariners, Phillies, Braves, Royals, Giants, and to a lesser extent, Yankees, Twins, and Blue Jays. The Padres, Braves, Giants, along with the Diamondbacks had reportedly shown the most interest in Tomas. 

Tomas was rumored to perhaps receive a deal well worth over Rusney Castillo's seven-year, $72.5 million deal. He was thought to perhaps receive nine figures. Teams, however, were wary of Tomas' defense and conditioning, not sure if he is ready for the big leagues. 

The Cuban outfielder's best asset is his power, which ranks at a 70 on the 80 grade scale. The rest of his tools are really undeveloped and unknown how well he will perform in the big leagues. He has shown a good arm and good range in the outfield. This contrasts to what many teams have reportedly felt.

Regardless of his defense, Tomas adds plenty of right handed power to a Diamondbacks team that already includes right-handed power hitter Mark Trumbo. He adds to a lineup with Paul Goldschmidt, Aaron Hill, Trumbo, and at least for the time being, Miguel Montero. 

The Diamondbacks aren't the deepest team in the outfield. Ender Inciarte, David Peralta, A.J. Pollock, Cody Ross, and Trumbo reside there for Arizona. Tomas, while this is just speculation, might be able to fit in left field. He doesn't appear to be a center fielder and Trumbo looks to have locked down one of the two corner outfield spots. Tomas will almost definitely fill the other. 

That is far from a guarantee, however. Trumbo, along with any Diamondbacks outfielders, could be moved to allow for more space for the signing of Tomas. 

Tomas hit .286/.343/.444 with just six homers, 16 doubles, three triples, and 36 runs batted in over 241 at bats in the 2013-2014 Serie Nacional (Cuba's professional league). He hit 20 homers in 272 at bats just two years before. Tomas also played for the Cuban team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

--Devan Fink

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