Diamondbacks option Yasmany Tomas to Triple-A, release Cody Ross
The Arizona Diamondbacks aren’t giving away roster spots for free this season. Quite the opposite, in fact, as the team announced late Saturday night that Yasmany Tomas has been optioned to Triple-A Reno and Cody Ross outright released from his contract.
For those keeping track at home, that’s $78 million in guaranteed money that won’t be making Arizona’s opening day roster.
A big chunk of that money belongs to Tomas. The 24-year-old slugger from Cuba was one of the offseason’s most expensive free agent signings, commanding a six-year, $68.5 million contract in December. But the Diamondbacks brass simply didn’t like what they saw this spring, particular on defense at third base. As a result, chief baseball officer Tony La Russa, general manager Dave Stewart and first-year manager Chip Hale ultimately decided a position change is in order, so Tomas is headed to Reno where he’ll try to transition to the outfield.
That the Diamondbacks decided to demote Tomas is surprising more so from a financial standpoint. When looked at strictly from a baseball perspective, it makes sense for a couple different reasons.
First and foremost, it’s a different game in MLB. The pitchers are better, the defense is smoother, and the lineups are more dangerous up and down. It leaves less margin for error, which creates more need for seasoning and adjusting.
It also gives the Diamondbacks more time to determine what they truly have in Tomas. He wasn’t a prospect they developed in their own system. They haven’t watched him every day at third base. Even after guaranteeing all of that money, now’s the time when they do the real scouting.
This demotion is far from a sign that they’re disappointed in Tomas. It’s a sign that he’s simply not ready, but his opportunity should still come sooner than later.
As for the Ross part of the equation, the 34-year-old outfielder simply doesn’t fit in the team’s plans anymore. That’s especially true if they’re counting on Tomas in the outfield down the road.
Ross is about 20 months removed from dislocating his hip in a game against the New York Mets. The injury required season-ending surgery and it was clear last season he wasn’t the same player. In 219 plate appearances, he posted a 252/.306/.322 line with two homers and eight doubles.
Ross was due $8.5 million this season, plus a $1M buyout for next season. It’s a big number to absorb for a team that doesn’t always spend big money, but there’s no sense forcing a sunk cost at the expense of someone who can help.
Speaking of which, another big money player is ticketed for the bench on Monday.
Hill is frequently the subject of trade rumors. It wouldn’t be suprising at all if his days in Arizona are numbered, just like Ross’.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
