The Phillies are widely considered the favorite to land the 23-year old slugging Cuban outfielder. Tomas is expected to be a $100 million dollar signing, breaking Rusney Castillo’s deal with the Red Sox (seven years for $72.5 million) last August. Many do not believe Tomas is looking for a seven or eight year deal, but more of a four to five year deal. The Phillies have been actively trying to tap into the Cuban market in recent years. They were in on the Cubs Jorge Solar, the Dodgers Yasiel Puig, the Red Sox’ Rusney Castillo, and they landed Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. There is no expected timetable for Tomas to sign.
Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal is reporting that starting pitcher Cole Hamels has updated his 20 team no trade list and the Boston Red Sox are on it. Rosenthal goes on to say that this does not necessarily mean Hamels would reject a deal to Boston, but more likely he would like any team that is interested in acquiring him to pick up his $20 million dollar option for 2019.
This is a smart move by Hamels who gives himself some leverage with this move. It was not announced if the Cubs were also one of the 20 teams that was on the list, but you would have to think they are. The Cubs claimed Hamels off waivers in August but were unable to come to a deal for the 30-year old left hander. The Red Sox and Phillies were both very active this season scouting each others farm systems, and were/are seen as the favorite to land Hamels if he is indeed dealt this offseason. Both the Cubs and the Red Sox have very deep farm systems.
