We're getting closer to the end. Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada has been a big topic of conversation since September and he was cleared by the MLB to sign a contract earlier this month. What team will he decide to sign with?
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the 19-year-old Moncada is in the "contract phase" of his signing process, says his agent David Hastings. Heyman notes that this means Moncada will no longer conduct private workouts and he'll wait for offers to come his way in hopes of signing before the end of February. Moncada perhaps conducted his final workout on Wednesday with the New York Yankees.
All we can gather at this point is that he's expected to receive a signing bonus between $30 million and $50 million and teams will have to pay a 100% tax on his contract because that number will force them to exceed their bonus pools by 15% for the 2014-2015 signing period. However, an executive told FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal that $30 million looks to be the max, "and even that number is a big-time stretch." The Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers are viewed as the favorites with the Padres, Brewers and Giants as the next likely group of teams.
"Some say the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Moncada will need to stay at second base, or possibly play third base, with little or no likelihood to be able to make a switch to shortstop," writes Heyman. "But others see that as nitpicking an extraordinary talent."
"As far as the positional question, Hastings said, 'He has had more playing experience at second base, so he's probably more comfortable at second. But he is an athlete. He can play any position.'"
Reports regarding Moncada have been extremely conflicting. In recent weeks it was said the Dodgers were having "serious reservations" about signing him; the Yankees "like the player but not the price tag"; and the Red Sox were believed to be backing off the idea of spending that much money on a prospect. But the fact that Moncada would likely be in the discussion for the No. 1 overall pick if he was in this year's draft indicates these teams are probably willing to spend the money for such talent.
Not only that, but these three clubs have been active on the international market and are looking to further bolster their farm systems. New York is perhaps the biggest threat to sign Moncada because they're lacking young talent, which was epitomized when the team suffered a slew of injuries last season and many prospects failed to step up. They could use a significant upgrade after making a number of deals for prospects throughout the offseason.
Keep an eye out for other Cuban infielders such as Hector Olivera and Jose Fernandez, who could be players these clubs go after if they miss out on Moncada.
