How Yasmany Tomas Signing Affects the Cincinnati Reds

By Adam Hughes | Nov 27, 2014

Sep 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) reacts after striking out during the third inning against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Six years, $68.5 million. Thats’ it? I thought I had misread the figures when I read that the Arizona Diamondbacks had agreed to those terms with Cuban free agent outfielder Yasmany Tomas, so sky-high were expectations for the young slugger who could change the future of a franchise. Arizona was also somewhat of a surprise destination since the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies were thought to be the frontrunners.

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Now that deed is done, though, our question is the same as it always is: how will the Tomas signing affect the Cincinnati Reds? Consider:

Perception

Trolling various sports sites and discussion boards tonight after the announcement was made, I can see that I’m not alone in initially thinking that the Tomas contract looks “cheap.” So the question that the Reds front office will have to deal with, like it or not, is why Cincinnati was not in on the Tomas bidding. If they can entertain ponying up for Johnny Cueto after next season, why not Tomas now?

There are good answers to that question, of course, but GM Walt Jocketty might want to brush up on his versions of them.

Jay Bruce Becomes More Valuable

It’s no secret that several teams are kicking the tires on Reds rightfielder Jay Bruce, and with an impact bat gone from the market (Tomas), Bruce’s immediate value should take a sharp turn for the better. The Reds get bonus points here because one of the teams looking into Bruce, the Padres, just lost out on their first choice.

Increased Competition for Bats

If the Reds decide they want to add an impact bat rather than trade one (Bruce), then the competition just got steeper, and the options may be more limited. The Giants, Padres, Braves, Seattle Mariners and other teams will search through the winter desert looking for power before Spring Training, and the Braves might be more reluctant to part with either Justin Upton or Evan Gattis now that Tomas is not an option for them. It’s bound to be a slugfest for what sluggers remain.

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Hey, when you’re a Reds fan, everything has an impact on the Riverfront. Yasmany Tomas is no exception.

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