Yoan Moncada Rumors: Dodgers Perceived As ‘Favorite’ To Sign Infielder

With Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada getting cleared by MLB on Tuesday, a bidding war for the 19 year old appears forthcoming.

Given Moncada’s talent and the amount of attention he’s drawn, his pool of serious suitors is expected to be composed of teams with deep pockets. That of course includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are viewed as the favorite, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney:

Some other teams view the Dodgers as the strong favorite in the Yoan Moncada sweepstakes.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 4, 2015

Olney also notes the Oakland Athletics may become involved given their previous success with Yoenis Cespedes:

There is an expectation among some executives that Oakland will take a run at Yoan Moncada — as they did with Yoenis Cespedes.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 4, 2015

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Dodgers are joined by the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees:

NYY, Bos, LAD, Det are in on cuban prodigy yoan moncada. but scout said, "everyone will want to have a seat at the table.'

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 4, 2015

Due to his age and inexperience, signing Moncada would count against a team’s international signing money and for some teams, result in a 100 percent penalty tax that essentially doubles the cost of signing Moncada. Additionally, the penalty comes with the signing team being unable to enter the international market for pool-eligible players for two years.

Moncada held a private work out in late January for a Dodgers contingent that included manager Don Mattingly and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. It’s also believed he’s worked out for the Red Sox and Yankees, among others.

An infielder with power, Moncada projects as a third baseman but is also capable of playing second base. Considering Howie Kendrick and Juan Uribe are entering the final year of their respective contracts in 2015, Moncada could serve as the perfect replacement for either.

While it wouldn’t be unprecedented, that would be a large responsibility placed on his young shoulders. Moncada is projected by many to sign a contract comparable to Yoan Lopez, who received an $8.2 million signing bonus from the Arizona Diamondbacks.