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According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, infielder Yoan Moncada has agreed to sign with the Boston Red Sox.
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
The highly-touted 19-year-old Cuban infielder agreed to a signing bonus around $30 million. The bonus will force the Boston Red Sox to pay a luxury tax of about that same amount, bringing the total cost up to around $60 million to sign Moncada. Additionally, the Red Sox will also be restricted from signing any international amateur for over $300,000 in the next two years.
Drawing comparisons to Robinson Cano and Chase Utley, Moncada is a five-tool prospect that is expected to take about two years in the minor leagues until he's ready for the majors. Moncada has played primarily at second base and third base, but he could transition to the outfield.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers were projected favorites to sign Moncada, out of desire and possible necessity. Despite the Red Sox possessing the money to sign the touted Cuban, they were not viewed as favorites, with third baseman Pablo Sandoval signed, Dustin Pedroia firmly at second base, and a number of young outfielders that would stand in the way of Moncada's path to the big leagues as an outfielder. There is a chance that Sandoval could move over to first base in a few years, which would potentially open a spot for Moncada at the hot corner.
