Chicago White Sox news: Yoan Moncada ready to be a breakout star?
The Chicago White Sox made a mega-deal with the Boston Red Sox in December, trading away Chris Sale. They received some nice assets, including Yoan Moncada, who could turn into baseball’s next star.
With all the controversy surrounding Chris Sale in 2016, the Chicago White Sox felt they needed to trade him away. They parted ways with manager Robin Ventura, so it seemed that a change in other places needed to happen as well.
On December 6th, the team pulled the trigger on a mega-deal with the Boston Red Sox. They traded away the disgruntled Sale. In return, they received Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander, and Victor Diaz. This stable of high prospects gives White Sox fans hope for the future.
There was another player the Sox received who may end up being the biggest piece — Yoan Moncada.
Moncada, the Cuban defector who signed with the Red Sox in 2015, hit .278/.380/.438, with 8 home runs and 49 stolen bases. He became the #3 overall prospect by Baseball America. In 2016, he hit .294/.407/.511, with 15 home runs, 62 RBI, and 45 stolen bases. He became the Red Sox’ top prospect last year. He was Baseball America’s minor league player of the year. Furthermore, he also became Boston’s biggest trade bait.
The White Sox came calling with their own piece, and the two teams worked together on a deal.
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Now, Moncada has the pressure to show the White Sox made the right call in acquiring him. He does have help in his adjustment to his new life in fellow Cuban Jose Abreu.
Moncada took advantage of his new major league training regimen. He was listed at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds when he signed, but looks about 20 pounds heavier now. The added weight did not affect his legs, as often happens with young players (look at Jorge Soler‘s body and the numerous leg issues he’s dealt with).
In addition to Abreu, Moncada has a manager who relates to him. Rick Renteria needs no translator to communicate with him, and he has a track record of getting a lot out of young players. Renteria impressed in his only season as Chicago Cubs manager as the young players started seeing action with the major league club.
Now he looks to do the same with a White Sox team loaded with good, young talent. He looks forward to work with Moncada.
“Extremely talented,” Renteria said of the 21-year-old second baseman. “Very gifted in many aspects of the skill set that he has. He can run well, has a good arm, we’ve seen him turning double plays, taking ground balls, swing the bat. A very skilled young man that will continue to grow and get better.”
In turn, Moncada feels comfortable playing for Renteria. “He’s an excellent manager,” he said. “He can speak both languages, especially Spanish. I can communicate with him. That’s a huge advantage for me and I like that. I think that we are going to have a very good season and we are just waiting for the season to start.”
Next: White Sox players to watch in Spring Training
As the season starts, Moncada will be at Triple-A Charlotte. However, don’t expect him to finish there. I feel he’ll become the next White Sox star player and will provide fans great highlights for years to come.