Boston Red Sox Arizona Fall League Preview Part 2: The Hitters

Yoan Moncada

Acquired:  International free agent, 2015 ($31.5 million signing bonus)

DOB:  5-27-95

Bats: Both Throws:  Right

Ht:  6-0  Wt. 210

Scouting Report:  Prototypical five tool player.  No. 1 rated player at SoxProspects.com. Better hitter from the left side. All-star in the making. Can sometimes be overly flashy on defense and lose focus on routine plays. Learning third base after playing second base exclusively before this season. Still in need of continued reps since his departure from Cuba. Nothing on the field he cannot do.

Outlook:  The Red Sox were willing to pay a $31.5 million fine to MLB to get Moncada. Stock fell somewhat when he struggled at the major league level this year, struggling mightily to hit breaking pitches. After starting four for 10, he struck out the last nine at-bats in Boston then blundered when he forgot how many outs there were as a pinch runner. After stealing 85 bases in his first 142 pro games, he stole only nine in 45 games at Double A Portland. In fairness he was hampered by a sprained ankle late in the season.

AFL Goals:  He will play exclusively at third base, since he has had only 14 career starts there, all in 2016. After his terrible ending this September in Boston, he is going to try to reset and regain some confidence. He has started fast in Arizona, going three for five in his first game Tuesday with a homer and a double. It is likely that he will start 2017 in the minors but act as very valuable insurance for the Red Sox third baseman to stay on top of their games. If he starts out strongly next season, he could be in the majors by mid-season.