MLB Free Agency Buzz: Several Teams Eyeing Yoan Moncada

Former Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada, after an injury-riddled season, has apparently caught the eye of several top-tier MLB teams.

Despite appearing in only 12 games last season and the White Sox passing on his $25 million club option, Moncada hasn't gone unnoticed. Per MLB insider Francys Romero, the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners are among the clubs interested in adding Moncada’s bat and glove to their lineups. This interest speaks volumes about the upside teams see in him, even after a challenging stint on the South Side in which he produced a .254/.332/.425 slash line over eight seasons.

Moncada's 2019 season shines as a beacon of what could be as he logged 25 homers, 79 RBIs, and a .315 batting average in a career-best campaign. Yet, perhaps more telling of his potential impact was his World Baseball Classic heroics earlier this year as he slashed an impressive .421/.522/.737 and proved to be a pivotal piece for the Cuban national team's offense.

However, injuries have been a persistent thorn in Moncada's side, limiting him to just 739 games over the last eight seasons in Chicago. His 2024 season was particularly marred by an adductor strain early in the season, leading to a mere 45 plate appearances and diminishing his role upon return as the White Sox looked to younger talents Bryan Ramos and Miguel Vargas down the stretch despite Moncada's availability.

Despite the myriad of setbacks, Moncada’s appeal as an affordable option with high upside in the free-agent market is undeniable. Teams will need to be willing to bet on his ability to rebound, mirroring the very archetype of player that the White Sox themselves are rumored to be seeking this offseason. Emphasis on the affordable in Chicago's case — it's an ironic twist.

Moncada could very well be a patchwork solution for another team seeking to bolster its offense while the White Sox bidd farewell to one of the centerpieces of their last failed rebuild attempt.