Major League Baseball cleared the way Tuesday for INF Yoan Moncada to ink a deal with a big league team as soon as he can agree to terms on a contract.
And the 19-year old told Jesse Sanchez that his goal is to sign “with a team soon, start training with them and make it to the Major Leagues” as quickly as possible.
Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that his sources indicated Moncada was willing to bide his time before he signed with a team. Moncada has workouts scheduled with teams later in the month and possible follow-up interviews, or second workouts with the teams that show the most interest. And the report from Jeff Passan seemed to create a slight possibility the Cubs had a chance to land him. Based on what he said to Jesse Sanchez, it is extremely unlikely that Moncada would delay his career until July 2, which is the first possible date the Cubs could sign him.
Ken Davidoff reported Wednesday that just about every team is interested in Moncada and have a chance to sign him except the Cubs and Rangers. The Cubs and Rangers cannot sign an amateur International player for more than $250,000 until July 2.
The Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Tigers and Padres are considered the frontrunners for Moncada. And it could be a four-team race according to Peter Gammons. Three General Managers that were thought to be interested in Moncada told Gammons the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Tigers are the teams out front on Moncada. Buster Olney reported that the A’s should not be counted out of the process and Billy Beane “will take a run” at Moncada like he did with Yoenis Cespedes.
Yoan Moncada has worked out for the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Rays, Padres, Giants, Brewers, Tigers and Rangers. And negotiations with teams “intensified in the hours since he became eligible to sign” according to Jesse Sanchez.
Buster Olney has the Dodgers winning the Moncada sweepstakes because Andrew Friedman “has the money and the need.” Moncada could play third base for Los Angeles which would leave shortstop open for Corey Seager.
Ken Davidoff speculated the bidding for Moncada could reach the $40 million mark, which would make him an $80 million player based on the penalty tax the team that signs him would have to pay.
Yoan Moncada told Sanchez he’s very happy with the way the process has gone and he knows he’s getting closer to reaching his dream of playing Major League Baseball.
- Full Report from Jesse Sanchez
- Full Report from Ken Davidoff
- Yoan Moncada a Free Agent, Clear to Sign with a MLB Team