Tomas signing unlikely before winter meetings

Teams love Yasmany Tomas’ power, but will the slugger play third base or in the outfield? (Getty Images)

Barring a team stepping out quickly with the right number, the plan calls for free agent Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas to attend baseball’s winter meetings, which begin Dec. 8 at San Diego. So don’t expect a signing before then.

Tomas has acquired a visa allowing him to make the trek, where he will meet with interested teams.

Tomas is said to be shooting to beat Rusney Castillo’s $72.5-million, six-year Red Sox deal, and his big-time power gives him a chance to do that. Tomas is said to have put on some monster home run displays at workouts for teams in recent days.

The Phillies, Giants and Padres have been perceived as front-runners, but the Royals and several other surprise teams have come out of the woodwork in recent days, perhaps making the choice more difficult.

Scouts suggest Tomas may have “8” power on the 2-8 scale, though there may be something of a divide on position. Most seem to see him as a corner outfielder, though Giants legend/adviser Felipe Alou suggested to that team that Tomas could play third base, Peter Gammons of MLB Network reported.

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