Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 40

Tomas planned on signing with the Marlins until they fired the leaders of their international scouting department in August 2024, right when he hit a growth spurt and shot up to an ultraprojectable 6-foot-2. With the tooled-up Dominican back on the market, the Cubs scrounged up enough money in their bonus pool to pay him $1.1 million five months later. He struggled in his pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, hitting .186/.352/.301 with a 29 percent strikeout rate. 

Tomas has one of the highest ceilings in the system and has elicited comparisons to Elly De La Cruz because he's a switch-hitter with that starter tool kit. His lightning bat speed allows him to turn on pitches and produce high exit velocities -- when he connects. He was too passive in the DSL, when he couldn't recover after falling behind in counts and put the ball in play in just half of his plate appearances.

With plus speed and twitchy athleticism, Tomas offers 30/30 upside and the ability to play almost anywhere on the diamond. He's more advanced as a defender than a basestealer, displaying smooth actions and solid arm strength at shortstop. There's no reason to expect that he'll have to change positions, but he also has the tools to become a dynamic center fielder.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

Tomas appeared headed toward a deal with the Marlins until they overhauled their international scouting department last summer, around the same time that he hit a growth spurt and shot up to a super-projectable 6-foot-2. The Cubs found enough money remaining in their bonus pool to sign him for $1.1 million out of the Dominican Republic. He's 17 years old and a long way from the Majors, but he might have the highest ceiling in the system with the possibility of plus tools across the board once he's fully developed.

One scout called Tomas a potential Elly De La Cruz, and Tomas has that starter tool kit, as well as the switch-hitting ability. He features electric bat speed, hits balls exceptionally hard and his lanky frame has the room to add a lot more strength. Though his size creates some natural length to his swing, he has a relatively controlled stroke and approach at the plate.

Tomas has plus speed and solid arm strength, and both of those tools could get better as he matures physically. He has 30-30 upside and the twitchy athleticism and solid arm strength to play anywhere on the diamond. Chicago believes he'll be able to play a solid shortstop, and if not, he could make for a dynamic center fielder.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/20/2026	SS Juan Tomas assigned to Chicago Cubs.
	03/05/2026	SS Juan Tomas assigned to Chicago Cubs Prospects.
	02/05/2025	SS Juan Tomas assigned to DSL Cubs Blue.
	01/15/2025	Chicago Cubs signed free agent SS Juan Tomas to a minor league contract.