Red Sox: Ranking the early favorites for AL Rookie of the Year
By Jimmy Longo
2. Yoan Moncada, IF, Chicago White Sox
The latter of two White Sox rooks to make this list, warranted scrutinization found both Yoan Moncada and the Red Sox following his September debut. To both their credit, though, Moncada appeared ready to contribute at the major league level and the Red Sox were certainly excited to have him be a spark plug at the third base position with the drop off of now-departed Travis Shaw
Instead, as is well known, Moncada looked overwhelmed, at one point striking out notably eight consecutive times. Finishing with a .211 batting average in eight games, Moncada was left off the postseason roster at which he was supposed to be a difference maker on, circa 2013 Xander Bogaerts-esque.
But, in the aftermath of the Chris Sale blockbuster, it’s in my opinion that the change of scenery will do Moncada well. He can develop in AAA for a few months, season himself with some more bus rides and obscure minor league promotional nights, while fine-tuning the tools that saw him rake in a $31 million signing bonus.
Expect Moncada to be called up around late May or in June sometime, where he could very well be a big second half positive to a White Sox team looking to trade assets for prospects, aiming for the future.