The Red Sox have signed Cuban super-prospect Yoan Moncada to a deal with a signing bonus in the $30 million range, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
Moncada, 19, was declared a free agent in early February after he presented a sworn affidavit to Major League Baseball that said he was a resident of another country and didn’t intend to return to Cuba. Previously, MLB would’ve needed to acquire a specific unblocking license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in order for Moncada to be available. But improved U.S. and Cuba relations have rendered that process unnecessary. Moncada established residency in Guatemala in October.
Related: Why Cuba Won’t Become Another Dominican Republic for MLB
Baseball America‘s Ben Badler says Moncada is the 10th best prospect in baseball right now. The switch-hitting shortstop is often categorized as the most talented player to come out of Cuba since Yasiel Puig or Cubs outfield prospect Jorge Soler.
Moncada impressed in Cuba’s 18U league in 2012, as he hit 434/.543/.648 in 152 plate appearances with 20 steals in 24 attempts. He played on Cuba’s national team as a 17-year-old later that year, and batted .283/.414/.348 in 172 plate appearances.
Signing Moncada is a boon for the Red Sox, especially considering the Yankees reportedly held three secret workout sessions with him. It also demonstrates a commitment from ownership, because the Red Sox are over their international spending pool allowance this year. Meaning, the club has to pay 100 percent tax on Moncada’s signing bonus.
Don’t stress about where Moncada fits long term. It’s all currency, and if you’re a Red Sox fan you should be thrilled.
— Ben Carsley (@BenCarsley) February 23, 2015
Moncada may not fit with the Red Sox right now, given that 22-year-old Xander Bogaerts is just entering his second season and Pablo Sandoval is signed through 2019. But players as young and talented as Moncada don’t come around often, and the Red Sox were wise to snatch him up.
The addition of Moncada could allow the Red Sox to more aggressively pursue a trade for an upper-echelon starting pitcher. The Phillies have reportedly continued to ask for top prospects in return for left-hander Cole Hamels. Moncada, who some scouts say could wind up as a third or second baseman, might make Mookie Betts or Bogaerts more expendable.
Much like the Rusney Castillo signing last August, the Moncada acquisition gives the Red Sox more organizational flexibility. They’ll have time to figure out how he fits on the Major League roster.
Baseball teams are supposed to acquire the best talent possible, and Moncada was almost universally considered to be one of the premier talents available this offseason. With fewer players entering the free agent market in the primes of their careers, signing young international free agents like Moncada may now be the best way for big market clubs to add elite players.
If Moncada lives up to his potential, he’ll be worth significantly more than his signing bonus even when you factor in the 100 percent tax on it. Ben Cherington may have pulled off a coup here. Job well done.
