With the recent signing of Yoan Moncada for one-year and five million dollars, the Los Angeles Angels might have acquired their starting third baseman for the upcoming season. Expect Moncada to take the disappointing Anthony Rendon’s place in the starting lineup.
His participation in the Roberto Clemente League ended after six games with five hits in 20 at-bats to leave an average .250 in the league. He knocked in a run and scored three times. He was only with the squad for five days before an injury forced him to call it quits. Moncada was expected to play at least 18 games with the San Juan Senators.
Last season with the White Sox, his production was limited (11 hits in 40 at-bats). However, during his minor league rehab, he showed flashes of his potential swatting 22 hits in 56 at-bats, including a home run, six RBIs and seven runs scored (1.006 OPS). His goal for 2025 is to stay healthy and play a full season, something he hasn’t accomplished in a long time.
Monacada made $24.8 million in 2024, his eighth and final season wearing the White Sox uniform. The infielder had to take a significant pay cut this offseason, many thought he would be relegated to sign for the league minimum or maybe have to settle for a minor league contract with an invitation to a spring training camp, but his signing with Los Angeles gives him a big opportunity to revive his career.
Over his nine seasons in the major leagues he’s slashing .254/.331/.424/.756 with 93 homeruns and 339 runs batted in with the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox. Moncada also saw action last year with the Cuban National Team in the Premier 12 and will more than likely be available for Cuba in the upcoming World Baseball Classic in 2026.