Mets Season Preview: What could’ve been done differently this offseason?

Mar 3, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Yasmany Tomas hits a single against the Arizona State Sun Devils during a spring training baseball game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Punzalan, Staff Writer:

If there was one move that I absolutely wanted the Mets to make this offseason, it would’ve been signing Cuban slugger, Yasmany Tomas.

The Arizona Diamondbacks gave Tomas a hefty six-year, $68.5 contract in November, just short of the record contract for a Cuban free agent that was recently given to Rusney Castillo of the Boston Red Sox.

Yes, Tomas’ fee would’ve been pretty steep, but it is definitely warranted. In five seasons in the Cuban National Series, Tomas held an impressive hitting slash, going .295/.345/.504 at the plate. During the 2012 season, he hit 15 home runs in only 81 games, all while driving in 60 runs. The potential that’s present in Tomas would’ve been critical and much needed in the Mets lineup.

Oh, I forgot to mention: Tomas is only 24 years old. With Tomas, you get a young, high-ceiling player who has a proven track record of hitting in the Cuban major leagues. Instead, the Mets decided to head toward a different direction: Michael Cuddyer, a veteran with a proven track record.

Cuddyer was a great grab for the Mets to kick off their offseason, but you also get some injury risks, in-season talent decline, and fielding concerns. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t any risks when signing Tomas. However, some of the issues Tomas will face can easy be fixed with a stint in the minor leagues. I’m not sure you can do that with Cuddyer. Tomas would’ve been a great fit in the Mets organization, as he would’ve been another chip in the overflowing pool of Sandy Alderson prospects.

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