Top Five Padres Free Agent Options Countdown

Number 1: Yasmany Tomas- Outfield

Cuban outfielder and Padres’ target, Yasmany Tomas. Mandatory Credit: mlb.com

Age: 23; Bats/Throws: Right/Right; 2014 Numbers: Unavailable

With the success of Cuban players like Yoenis Cespedes, Aroldis Chapman, Yasiel Puig and Jose Abreu finding tremendous success in Major League Baseball teams are lining up to get a crack at someone who could be the next Cuban star. Yasmany Tomas recently defected from the country and has been declared a free agent by the Commissioner’s Office.

Primarily a right fielder Tomas is a hulking presence known for his tremendous power and above average throwing arm. He’d be the superstar slugger the Padres have been looking for and would certainly be the big splash that new General Manager A.J. Preller will be looking for in his first season at the helm.

His price tag is predicted to reach the $100 million dollar range which would make him the highest paid Cuban born player in the history of the game, beating out the $75 million dollar contract the Red Sox gave Rusney Castillo over the summer.

While scouts say he’s better than Castillo he’s no Abreu but will still bring a significant power threat to the Padres lineup. The Phillies, Rangers, Mariners among other teams are also in the running to acquire his services and the market will be competitive. If the Frairs front office brass was going to spend big on one player it’d be Tomas.

His youth, raw ability and projected superstar talent makes him the number one target for the Padres this off season.