Cuban phenom Yoan Moncada hasn’t become a free agent just yet, but that could change soon. And if it does and the 19-year-old hits the market, he could make a significant impact on the Yankees’ offseason.
The Yankees are among several teams that have privately worked out the infielder, who many scouts believe would instantly become the top prospect in the Yankees’ system if they were able to sign him.
There remain some obstacles to Moncada’s free agency. While MLB.com reported that Moncada had received the necessary paperwork from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to be able to sign with any team of his choice, sources said on Saturday that it’s not a done deal just yet.
Still, Moncada is seen as another step closer to becoming a free agent. He previously established residency in Guatemala, but has been awaiting the paperwork from OFAC.
The timing of his free agency is important, especially to the Yankees, who are considered among the front-runners if Moncada is allowed to sign.
The Yankees splurged on the international market last July and they are already in the top penalty range for the year. Because of that, they are banned from spending more than $300,000 in the next two signing periods. The current signing period ends on June 15.
So if Moncada’s status is not resolved by then, they won’t have a shot at the Cuban, viewed as a second baseman or third baseman.
If and when Moncada hits the market, the Yankees figure to have plenty of competition, regardless of the timeframe. According to sources, he also has had private workouts with more than half a dozen teams, including the Red Sox, Dodgers and Giants.
The Rangers, Rays, Brewers, Padres, Phillies, Cardinals and Cubs also reportedly have shown interest.