When the Boston Red Sox paid $63 million for Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada last year ($31.5 million signing bonus and $31.5 million in taxes to MLB for exceeding international bonus pool limits), some saw it as a prudent investment while others viewed it as an enormous risk.
Well, the 20-year-old excelled during his first year in the minors and rumors suggest his versatility could help him earn his MLB debut within the next two seasons.
"My guess is that you'll see Moncada at Fenway Park at some point in 2017," writes Ian Browne of MLB.com. "Look for him to get to Double-A before '16 is over. Third base could be a good fit for the 20-year-old prospect in the long term. The Red Sox have Pablo Sandoval under contract through 2019, but he could always move across the diamond or to designated hitter."
"He can play, really, anywhere on the diamond," Browne added in the video within his article. "[The Red Sox] are not all that concerned what position he's going to play."
Baseball America also believes he's versatile, but shortstop may not be in his future.
"While he made errors in bunches at times, he made some spectacular plays at second base that showed above-average defensive potential at the position and the athleticism (and offensive profile) to move nearly anywhere but shortstop depending on team need," the website's scouting report reads.
Alex Speier of the Boston Globe believes Moncada may have a future in the outfield.
Moncada played 81 games at Class A Greenville in 2015 and batted .278/.380/.438 with 61 runs scored, 8 home runs, 38 RBI and 49 stolen bases in his first professional season in the United States. He gained most of his experience as a professional in Cuba at second base, but previous rumors/reports indicated Moncada would likely be flexible due to his athleticism and youth.
Baseball America, MLB.com and the Boston Globe rank Moncada as the Red Sox's No. 1 overall prospect.
The Red Sox have one of the most talented rosters in the MLB, which poses an interesting question in terms of Moncada's future arrival within the next two seasons. Where does he fit in?
With Sandoval at third, Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, Dustin Pedroia at second, Travis Shaw at first/third, and a full outfield consisting of youngsters Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts and Rusney Castillo, it seems as if Boston would have to make room for Moncada. The most obvious scenario at this point would be to move Sandoval to the designated hitter spot, put Moncada at third and leave the rest as is.
However, with Dave Dombrowski running the show, the team could be slated for some changes once Moncada's MLB debut becomes imminent. That's a long way off, but it's never too early to start thinking about a team's future, especially with a player as talented as Moncada.
Be sure to keep up with the youngster throughout the offseason and during the 2016 season as he progresses his way toward the MLB.
