The Boston Red Sox have reportedly signed 19-year-old Cuban phenom Yoan Moncada. Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that the deal is worth somewhere in the $30 range — at least for what Moncada will be making.
As we previously noted, signing Moncada was expected to cost a team somewhere in the $80 million range. Due to tax rules involving the signing of amateur international players, Moncada will likely see about half of the money the Red Sox paid to sign him.
With Major League Baseball recently changing its rules regarding Cuban players, the Red Sox have apparently decided that Moncada has enough potential to justify a large financial commitment. It’s somewhat surprising that Boston added another international player after signing 27-year-old outfielder Rusney Castillo to a $73 million deal back in August.
The Dodgers were previously considered the favorites to land Moncada with the Yankees, Giants, Tigers, Padres, Rays and Brewers all showing interest.
Moncada, an infielder, has been described as a five-tool player who can hit for power from both sides of the plate. Considering he will only turn 20 in May, it could be a few seasons before we see him at the MLB level.
