On Saturday Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada took one step closer toward getting clearance to sign a contract with an MLB team. Who will be the first club to pounce on the opportunity?
Moncada's agent, David Hastings, received good news on Friday night regarding his client's status of employment in the United States. According to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control notified Hastings that Moncada "may be generally licensed as an unblocked national," which "should seemingly clear the way for Moncada to sign."
Moncada's clearance process has been a bit delayed because Major League Baseball changed their policy regarding international players on Jan. 16. Instead of requiring Cuban players to merely acquire a "general" unblocking license from the OFAC, the league is now mandating they also receive a "specific" unblocking license, which is a written document, whereas the general license is not. But Moncada has met all the requirements of the OFAC, so the letter from the U.S. Treasury should help his case regardless of the MLB's new regulations.
The arrival of Moncada has been long anticipated because he's regarded as the top prospect in Cuba and is expected to land a contract in the $30 million to $40 million range. Sanchez reported this week that Moncada conducted private workouts for the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Giants, Rangers, Brewers and Padres, while the Rays were the latest team to jump into the mix. Earlier this month it was noted the Yankees and Red Sox were the frontrunners for the 19-year-old, but the Dodgers made it known they were "shifting attention" to him after they miss out on pitcher Yoan Lopez.
Back in August, Ben Badler of Baseball America provided plentiful information on Moncada's abilities as a player:
"[Moncada] dominated the 16U World Championship in Mexico, where he earned all-star honors at third base by hitting .417/.563/.667 in seven games."
"Back home in Cuba's 16U national league that year, Moncada was the country's top hitter, batting .500/.643/.918 in 158 plate appearances, leading the league in batting average, OBP, slugging, home runs (8) and walks (37) while going 15-for-15 in stolen bases."
"Moncada stepped up to the country's 18U national league in 2012, where he again led the league in batting average, OBP and slugging by hitting .434/.543/.648 in 152 plate appearances with a league-best 20 steals in 24 tries."
He turned pro in Cuba as a 17-year-old and slashed an admirable .283/.414/.348 in 172 plate appearances to go along with 13 stolen bases. He's expected to make an immediate impact in the minor leagues once he signs with a team and is slated to earn the biggest contract ever for an international amateur player.
We'll provide updates regarding his clearance status.
