The hype leading up to the signing of Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada was heavy, with several teams including the Dodgers, Yankees, and Red Sox rumored to be in on signing him. The money being thrown around by baseball insiders ranged from $30-50 million, which would increase to $60-100 million due to the 100% tax that would be tacked on.
Well, according to Jesse Sanchez from MLB.com, the Red Sox are the winners of the Moncada sweepstakes:
BREAKING - Source: Cuban INF prospect Yoan Moncada agrees with Red Sox on a deal in $30 million range. Check http://t.co/mkcBseoZWQ.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) February 23, 2015
As a Dodgers fan, I have to say I am shocked that they did not sign him as they were the team that every baseball insider felt would end up signing him. Either they have their hearts set on signing 29 year old Cuban infielder Hector Sanchez, or they have soured on the Cuban market after the failure of Alex Guerrero and Erisbel Arruebarrena to make an impact after signing lucrative deals.
The move by the Red Sox indicates to me that they will make him an outfielder as he is a few years away from the big leagues. With Pablo Sandoval signed for the next five years, he is blocked at third base.
This move could lead to the Red Sox being more open to the idea of trading one of Xander Bogaerts or Mookie Betts in a deal for Phillies ace Cole Hamels.
Let the rumor mill start to churn!!