The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms with top Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada, MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reported Monday. The 19-year-old will obtain a bonus of $31.5 million, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Moncada’s a switch-hitter who’s viewed as an exceptional hitting prospect with well above-average power and impressive speed. He’s also regarded as a skilled defender who could play second base, third base, centre field or possibly shortstop.
Though he’s just 19, Moncada’s considered an advanced prospect who should rank among the top 15 in all of baseball. However, he has not played in organized games recently and is expected to spend the 2015 season in the minors.
The Red Sox will have to pay a tax in the $30 million range in addition to Moncada’s bonus. Plus, Boston will not be allowed to sign any prospects for more than $300,000 during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 international signing periods, effectively ruling out the acquisition of top-ranked international talent for two years.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres were also linked to Moncada, who did not draw serious interest from the Toronto Blue Jays. Scouts from nearly every MLB team attended Moncada’s initial showcase, and more than a third of those clubs arranged private workouts afterwards.
The Red Sox have spent big on top Cuban talent in the last year, adding Moncada and outfielder Rusney Castillo.
