Red Sox Land Cuban Infielder Yoan Moncada
The Red Sox have reportedly agreed to a deal with 19-year-old Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
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Moncada is a switch hitter who is projected as a second baseman or a third baseman, but could move to a corner outfield spot if he continues to bulk up (he reportedly weighs in the 210 to 220 pound range). He batted .273 last season in the Cuban league Serie Nacional.
The Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, and Brewers were all in the running to land Moncada, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The New York Post reports Moncada had three workouts with the Yankees.
Ben Cherington and the Red Sox are establishing a pipeline of Cuban players, and Moncada figures to one day join outfielder Rusney Castillo in the everyday lineup in Boston. Castillo signed a seven-year contract last season.
Moncada is considered an even bigger prize than Castillo. He’ll immediately be one of the top prospects in baseball and his talent is said to be on par with Yasiel Puig at the same age.
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