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Marlins interested in Yasmany Tomas

The Marlins are not known to be notably active on the international market, but according to MLB.com the club is interested in Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas. Miami sent a pair of executives to watch his workout on Sunday.

Koji Watanabe

Miami is not known to be notably active on the international free agent market. But the Marlins are typically in the conversation for semi-local talent, and reportedly sent two scouts to watch Yasmany Tomas' workout on Sunday afternoon.

Tomas is a Cuban outfielder who has seemingly caught the attention of every team in baseball. His power bat is distinct, and the Marlins are expected to be in the mix despite the fact the Giants, Phillies, Padres, Rangers, and Tigers are reportedly very interested.

Pretty much all 30 MLB teams are expected to watch Tomas, whose salary demands are expected to be very high, perhaps as much as the seven-year, $72.5 million deal Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo signed in late August with the Red Sox.

Tomas is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound slugger, who profiles as a corner outfielder. In his final season playing in Cuba, the 23-year-old batted .286 with 15 home runs, 60 RBIs and 45 runs scored.

While his background would appeal to a team looking to sell seats to the local demographic, Tomas' presence in the Marlins' lineup would add another power bat, which the team is looking for heading into the offseason. Giancarlo Stanton's 37 home runs and 105 RBIs have carried the Marlins' offense, and though Tomas' power would likely significantly improve Miami's lineup, he may be turned away by the spaciousness of Marlins Park.

International signings typically come down to contract value, and the Marlins notably fell short when bidding for Yoenis Cespedes before the Athletics locked him up. Getting Stanton signed long term is rightfully the priority, and adding an inexperienced bat at this point of the rebuilding process may be questionable.

Tomas will almost certainly request a Jose Abreu-type deal (6 yr/$68 million), which could immediately turn the Marlins away from making him an offer.

The most obvious issue with Tomas as it relates to the Marlins is his position. He is projected to be a corner outfielder, but the Marlins appear to be content with a Christian Yelich-Marcell Ozuna-Stanton starting outfield moving forward. The possibility of putting Yelich at first base has been discussed, however the Marlins may want to see if Garrett Jones can have a bounce back year in 2015 since he is owed $5 million.

In an article by MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez recently, Tomas said: "I have expectations of myself and what I want to do in my career. [The workout] will be a new experience, but I'm ready for it. I've played in Cuba, around the world and in the World Baseball Classic against tough competition. This is a new challenge, but I look forward to that."


Tomas has a clear desire to win, and the Marlins may provide him with such an opportunity moving forward. But signing Tomas rightfully may not be among the Marlins' top priorities.