The Boston Red Sox made a splash at the start of spring training, bringing in Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada to an agreement after interest from the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers and now the team could look at trading prospects for Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels, as the team has an excess of position players.
According to CBS Sports and ESPN.com, the Red Sox and Moncada have agreed to a deal and while contract terms have not been finalized, he will be signing with Boston. The Yankees reportedly offered between $25 and $27 million, while the Dodgers also reportedly had interest. The 19-year-old Cuban player is a switch hitter and he joins a crowded Boston roster that also includes fellow-Cuban center fielder Rusney Castillo, who signed in August.
The Red Sox previously held a private workout with Moncada and his representative David Hastings said that an agreement would be finalized soon. ESPN.com reports that Moncada will get a bonus of $31.5 million and the Red Sox will have to pay $63 million, half going to the MLB because the team is over the international bonus money limit and have to pay full tax. The Yankees also were above the limit and that is one reason why they did not push past the Red Sox to sign Moncada.
CBS Sports and USA Today both did columns on the move and write that the signing of Moncada gives the Red Sox the flexibility to make a trade for someone like Cole Hamels. The Red Sox have been linked to Hamels all offseason and the Boston Globe reported earlier in the month that the team made an offer to the Phillies. The Red Sox have a roster full of hitters and infielders and that gives them the ammo to make trades now or at the trading deadline this summer.
USA Today writes that the Red Sox have an "elite infield prospect" in Moncada that can replace players they deal in a potential trade for the Phillies, with names like Mookie Bett, Deven Marrero, Bogaerts and Garin Cecchini mentioned as options. According to ESPN.com, a National League executive described Moncada as a second baseman that could develop into a Robinson Cano-type player. Moncada can play multiple positions and he likely will have some time to work things out, as the Red Sox already have Dustin Pedroia, Xander Bogaerts and Pablo Sandoval as their starters.
The Red Sox finished 71-91 after winning the World Series the previous season and while they were 20 games under .500, Boston feels it has as good a chance as anyone to win the AL East. The Blue Jays have made moves but are unproven, while the Orioles are expected to take a step back. The Yankees could be a 90-win team or a 70-win team depending on how things break and that leaves it wide open for the Red Sox. The Red Sox signed Hanley Ramirez and Sandoval this offseason and also traded for Rick Porcello.
