The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox could once again be competing for a player in free agency when a Cuban prospect gets clearance by the U.S. government. Former Los Angeles Dodgers' pitcher Chad Billingsley could make a return to the league in 2015.
According to Kiley McDaniel of Fangraphs, the Yankees and Red Sox are "heavy favorites" to land Cuban phenom Yoan Moncada. The 19-year-old infielder was declared a free agent by the MLB earlier this offseason but cannot be signed yet because he hasn't been cleared by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control. Baseball America recently posted a video of Moncada and analyzed his ability to hit for power and play multiple infield positions.
On December 23 it was noted Moncada was hoping to begin private workouts within two weeks, but he still has yet to be cleared by the government. He conducted a showcase in Guatemala back in November and scouts from the Yankees, Red Sox, Braves, Giants, Rays, Padres and Cubs attended. He's expected to garner more interest because of his great success in the Cuban Junior Leagues to go along with the dearth of middle infield talent in the MLB.
Baseball America has the previously mentioned teams as suitors for Moncada as well as the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals. He's expected to land a $30 million - $40 million deal, which will be the largest ever for an international amateur player.
As for free agent starting pitchers, right-hander Chad Billingsley has "multiple offers" on the table, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. It's unknown what teams have made offers, but they're probably incentive-laden deals since Billingsley hasn't pitched since April of 2013. He underwent Tommy John surgery that year after just two starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who paid $3 million to buy out his contract for the 2015 season.
Billingsley owns a career record of 81-61 with a 3.65 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in eight MLB seasons, but has only eclipsed the 200-inning mark once over that span. He's expected to be ready for spring training after undergoing surgery last June to repair a torn flexor tendon in his elbow.
We should know who made those offers relatively soon.
