Age: 21
Contract Status: Arbitration Eligible 2020, Free Agecny 2023
The Cuban import’s major league debut wasn’t as smooth as Benintendi’s, but that was to be expected given that the competition he faced in his homeland wasn’t what Benintendi was exposed to in college.
Benintendi may have surpassed him in the eyes of some scouts, but the majority still rank Moncada a tick higher and he remains the No. 1 overall prospect according to MLB.com. Benintendi can provide a more immediate impact, but Moncada has the higher upside long term as a five-tool player oozing with superstar potential.
The Red Sox are shifting Moncada over to third base because his path at his natural position is blocked by Pedroia, but his value may be higher if other teams view him as a second baseman. The versatility to play multiple positions opens the list of potential suitors wider.
Boston’s front office has resisted the urge to cash in their top prospect on the trade market, but if they ever were to entertain the idea of dealing Moncada he would certainly bring back a superstar in return.
The record $31.5 million signing bonus that the Red Sox handed Moncada has made him a rich young man, but that’s of no concern to any team trading for him. While the bonus could be spread across up to three years, the Red Sox are still on the hook for paying the remainder of it even if Moncada is traded. Any team acquiring him now could pay him at or near the league minimum until he hits arbitration.