Reports: Red Sox agree to deal with Cuban slugger Moncada
The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a deal with Cuban infield prospect Yoan Moncada, MLB.com first reported Monday morning.
The deal is reported to be worth $31.5 million, which would be a record for an international amateur player. However, Moncada actually will cost the Red Sox $63 million because they must pay a 100 percent fee for exceeding Major League Baseball's international bonus pool limit.
Moncada, 19, hit .277/.388/.380 with four homers and 28 RBI in two seasons (101 games) of professional baseball in Cuba before leaving the country in 2014. The switch-hitting, five-tool prospect played primarily second base in Cuba, but it remains to be seen where he will play in the minors/majors.
In recent weeks, the Red Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels have been among the teams reportedly interested in Moncada.
Said on @MLBNetwork this AM that #RedSox don’t have obvious spot for Moncada. Pedroia signed thru 2021, Sandoval thru 19, Hanley thru 18…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 23, 2015
However, having too many good players is never a problem. #RedSox can figure out rest later. And they keep Moncada away from #Yankees.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 23, 2015
Moncada expected to need 1-2 seasons in minors. And yes, one option for #RedSox going forward will be to move Sandoval to first base.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 23, 2015