By worldlive 
Two sides of a coin: Good for one, bad for the other! “And we let him go” Yankees Reportedly Interested in Former Red Sox Generational Prospect Yoán Moncada as Potential Infield Upgrade…
The New York Yankees have reportedly expressed interest in Yoán Moncada, a former top prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization, according to recent reports.
This news has sparked intrigue among baseball fans, given Moncada’s history as a highly touted international signing and his previous status as one of the most promising young players in Major League Baseball.
Moncada’s History with the Red Sox
Yoán Moncada, a switch-hitting infielder from Cuba, was considered a generational talent when the Red Sox signed him for a record-breaking $31.5 million bonus in 2015.
At the time, scouts raved about his athleticism, bat speed, and defensive versatility. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut with Boston in 2016. However, his time in a Red Sox uniform was short-lived.
In December 2016, Moncada was the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade that sent him, along with Michael Kopech and two other prospects, to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for ace pitcher Chris Sale.
The trade worked out well for Boston, as Sale played a crucial role in their 2018 World Series championship. Meanwhile, Moncada developed into a solid player for the White Sox, though his career has had ups and downs.
Moncada’s Performance in Chicago
Moncada showed flashes of stardom with the White Sox, particularly in 2019 when he slashed .315/.367/.548 with 25 home runs, cementing himself as one of the best young third basemen in the league.
However, injuries and inconsistency hampered his development in subsequent seasons.
In 2024, Moncada played in just 12 games due to a left adductor strain. His struggles, combined with his high salary, led the White Sox to decline his $25 million club option for 2025, making him a free agent. Now, the Yankees are reportedly considering him as a potential low-risk, high-reward addition to their infield.
Why the Yankees Are Interested
The Yankees are in the midst of an aggressive offseason, having already signed star pitcher Max Fried and veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. However, they still have questions regarding their infield depth.
While DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres are solid options at second and third base, Moncada could provide additional versatility and a potential offensive boost.
One of Moncada’s biggest assets is his switch-hitting ability, which would fit well in Yankee Stadium’s short right field porch. If he can regain even a portion of his 2019 form, he could be a valuable asset. Additionally, his defensive versatility could provide insurance in case of injuries.
Concerns and Potential Obstacles
While Moncada’s upside is intriguing, there are concerns about his injury history and inconsistency at the plate.
Since his breakout 2019 season, his offensive production has dipped significantly, and his ability to stay healthy remains a question mark.
Financially, the Yankees must also be mindful of the luxury tax threshold. Owner Hal Steinbrenner has indicated a desire to stay below the $301 million limit, and adding Moncada would only make sense if the deal is affordable. Given his recent struggles, he may have to settle for a short-term, incentive-laden contract.
The Yankees’ reported interest in Yoán Moncada represents a classic case of a team betting on untapped potential. While Moncada has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, his talent is undeniable.
If he can stay healthy and rediscover his offensive rhythm, he could be a valuable addition to the Yankees’ infield.
For now, it remains to be seen whether the Yankees will seriously pursue Moncada, but the idea of the former Red Sox prospect donning pinstripes is certainly an intriguing storyline to watch as the offseason progresses.