Yoán Moncada, a versatile infielder, is a free agent once again, and several teams are expressing interest in signing him. After a promising start with the Red Sox, Moncada's journey has been filled with both highs and lows. Here's a closer look at his career and the teams that might be interested in his services.
A Star is Born
Moncada's career began in Cuba, where he signed with the Red Sox for a $31.5MM bonus in 2015. His MLB debut came in 2016, and he quickly became a key player for the White Sox, known for his hitting prowess. In 2019, he had a breakout season with a .315/.367/.548 batting line and 25 home runs, despite the ball being juiced that year.
Struggles and Injuries
However, Moncada's success was not sustained. He struggled during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and his power and performance dipped. From 2022-2024, he faced injuries and inconsistency, batting .236/.291/.387 with an 88 wRC+ in just 206 out of 486 possible games. In 2024, he spent most of the season on the IL with a left abductor strain, making only 45 plate appearances.
The Free Agent Market
As a free agent, Moncada finds himself in a familiar position, with a one-year deal being his most likely outcome. The current market has Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez as the top options at third base, with Kazuma Okamoto still available. The next-best options are utility players, making Moncada an attractive low-cost flier for teams in need of an everyday third baseman.
Teams Interested
- Angels: With Anthony Rendon expected to retire and Luis Rengifo as a free agent, the Angels could use Moncada to fill the third-base vacancy. His high ISO and slugging percentage could be a boost for the team.
- Pirates: After trading Ke'Bryan Hayes and claiming Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the Pirates could use Moncada as a fallback option. Jared Triolo has played at third base but is more of a multi-positional player.
- White Sox: The White Sox have already signed Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas, but Moncada could be an offensive upgrade over Vargas if his exposure to left-handed pitching is limited. However, the team is also interested in signing Okamoto.
The Controversy
Moncada's defensive struggles, particularly at third base, have been a point of contention. His -13 OAA is the worst in the league among third basemen with at least 300 defensive innings. This raises questions about his long-term viability at the position, and some may wonder if his defensive shortcomings outweigh his offensive contributions.
The Bottom Line
Yoán Moncada's career has been a rollercoaster, with promise and struggles in equal measure. As a free agent, he presents an interesting opportunity for teams, but his defensive concerns may be a deal-breaker for some. The question remains: can Moncada rebound from his recent struggles and provide value to a team in need of an infielder? Only time will tell. The comments section is open for discussion - what do you think about Moncada's future in MLB?
