3 White Sox Playing Their Final Season in Chicago in 2024
By Jovan Alford
2. Yoan Moncada
Moncada is another player that the White Sox could trade by this summer’s trade deadline as they look to rebuild for the future.
The 28-year-old third baseman bounced back last season after a rough 2022 season, where he hit .212 with 12 home runs and 51 RBI (104 games). In 2023, Moncada only played in 94 games because of a back injury.
However, the veteran infielder returned from the injury in July and slashed .260/.305/.425 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI. In addition to his offense, Moncada is one of the better defenders at the hot corner, posting a .971 field percentage and turning 13 double plays in 2023.
The White Sox hope Moncada can build off what he did last year, as they’ll need him, Jimenez, and Robert Jr. to carry the team. Moncada has played well in Spring Training out in Arizona, slugging .308 with four doubles, two RBI, and eight walks.
The veteran third baseman enters the 2024 season playing in the final year of his five-year, $70 million contract that he signed in 2020. Moncada has a $25 million option for the 2025 season with a $5 million buyout.
The White Sox may pick up that option if Moncada performs like the player they saw in 2023. However, multiple contenders might be interested in adding Moncada’s bat and glove to their lineup, which might be hard for the Sox to turn down.