Yoan Moncada Rumors: Dodgers Could Offer $40 Million Bonus
Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada has been the talk of Major League Baseball in recent weeks, as the 19-year-old has been working out for many teams since being cleared by the MLB to sign with teams.
Moncada’s agent David Hastings is believed to be commanding a signing bonus upwards of $30 million for the teenage infielder. Moncada can play any of the infield spots, minus first base and is a switch-hitter.
Although teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres have shown interest, according to George King of the New York Post, the Dodgers are viewed as the favorite:
Yet if a team gives Moncada the amount of money that has been speculated — the Dodgers, according to an international scouting source, are willing to go to $40 million — he will be expected to be in the big leagues sooner than most 19-year-old signees.
King added that if the Dodgers or the Yankees signed Moncada it would cost them:
For the Yankees and Dodgers, who are among the teams with interest in Moncada — along with the Red Sox and Padres — a $30 million bonus would mean it would cost them $60 million because the Yankees and Dodgers have exceeded their international signing limits during this signing period, which expires in July.
Moncada hit .277 in two seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, the top league in Cuba. But at 19, it is likely that it will take the switch-hitter a year or two in the Minors to be Major League ready. With Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins and Juan Uribe all in the last year of their contracts, it may makes sense for the Dodgers ownership to pay that extra $60 million dollars for a player of Moncada’s caliber.
Dodgers FanFest – Zack Greinke
$40m Signing Bonus!?!? WTF, you guys better have an awfully BIG crystal ball there somewhere that you’re looking in TO!!