Chicago White Sox: Yoan Moncada is capable of winning MVP next year

Yoan Moncada made tremendous strides with the Chicago White Sox in 2019 and is capable of winning the American League MVP next year.

When Yoan Moncada struck out at an American League-leading 217 times in 2018 while slashing 0.235/0.315/0.400, it raised the question if the acquisition was the right move. After all, the Chicago White Sox gave up one of the best pitchers in the game in Chris Sale, who was signed to an extremely team-friendly contract. Certainly, a contract extension was in order for the southpaw, which he received from the Boston Red Sox.

Moncada made his White Sox debut on July 19, 2017, and slashed 0.231/0.338/0.412 with 8 home runs and 22 RBI in just 54 games with the team. However, his OPS took a dip last season but Moncada worked hard in the 2018 offseason which included a trip to the Arizona Fall League. Both he and now-former hitting coach Todd Steverson broke down his plate approach while watching a lot of film.

"“We ended up attacking the topic of his strike-zone approach,” Renteria said. “He has great ability to take pitches. That’s something that’s innate in him.” – Chicago Tribune"

How did that turn out? Moncada looked like a completely different player and was, arguably, the most complete hitter on the White Sox in 2019. The 24-year-old slashed 0.315/0.367/0.548 with 34 doubles, 5 triples, 25 home runs, and 79 RBI. He also cut way down on the strikeouts at a 28 percent clip. The combination of playing at his more natural position of third base and the work he put in during the offseason did wonders for Moncada in 2019.

His 0.915 OPS was good for 10th best in the American League and projects to be even better next year as he just begins to enter his prime. Moncada will need to take a few more walks to enter that elite category and ultimately into the MVP conversation but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. The White Sox are expected to be better as well next year, especially with Eloy Jimenez in his second season and the highly-anticipated arrival of Luis Robert.

They could end up losing a big piece in Jose Abreu to free agency this offseason and Moncada would be a prime candidate to step up in the production of runs. Look for him to take that next step in 2020.