Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart wasting no time rebuilding baseball's worst team
Dave Stewart earned a reputation on the mound as one of the most intense pitchers in the game during his 16-year career. That competitive spirit is beginning to reveal itself from inside the Arizona Diamondbacks' front office.
Stewart and his staff grabbed the attention of the baseball world Wednesday, reportedly signing coveted Cuban free agent Yasmany Tomas to a six-year, $68-million contract. The deal, which would represent the richest free-agent contract in franchise history, is said to include an opt-out after the fourth year.
Critics immediately weighed in on both sides of the deal, questioning whether the right-handed hitting outfielder was worthy of such money given his raw potential and limited experience (he's played only 205 games since 2008).
Although the deal falls short of fellow countryman Rusney Castillo's record-breaking contract this past summer, it barely exceeds the figure awarded to Jose Abreu, the eventual 2014 American League Rookie of the Year.
From Stewart's perspective, however, the first-year GM just landed a corner outfielder with middle-of-the-order potential at an annual average value of $11 million per year. Not bad for a team that finished with the worst record in baseball last year and missed the playoffs for a third straight season.
Here's Tomas sending a moon shot into orbit during last year's World Baseball Classic:
Tomas' ZiPS projection calls for a .267/.302/.464 slash line and a value of 1.3 WAR in 2015, conservative yet encouraging numbers for a lineup that ranked 20th in slugging and 25th in home runs in 2014. His plus-power potential gives Arizona a formidable threesome that includes Paul Goldschmidt and Mark Trumbo.
The unexpected signing secures the 24 year old's developing years in Arizona through his age-27 season. If anything, Tomas may have landed one of the most player-friendly deals should he make good on his potential and hit the open market in the middle of his prime.
For now, Stewart and the Diamondbacks' front office - which includes proven World Series architect Tony La Russa - have to be pleased with how their offseason is shaping up.
Last month, Stewart traded for 2011 AL Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson (pictured above), a reclamation project under control for two more years, who at the very least adds depth to a rotation decimated by injuries. Should any of the Diamondbacks' stable of talented injured arms - including All-Star left-hander Patrick Corbin - return to good health in 2015, Stewart could find himself with a wealth of assets.
The club has already been linked to free-agent pitcher James Shields and is reportedly shopping lefty Wade Miley. By acquiring Tomas, Arizona also finds itself with a crowded outfield that it could potentially parlay into filling other holes, such as third base or the middle infield.
Stewart made his living on the mound with an imposing presence and fierce competitive nature. Two months into his career as an executive, one might say he's already striking fear into front offices across baseball.