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Moncada Video |
Born:
May 27, 1995
Abreus, Cuba
Height:
6-0
Weight:
210
Bats:
Both
Throws:
Right
How Acquired:
International free agent (Mar. 2015)
Photo ©
Kelly O'Connor
SoxProspects.com Links
Podcast Ep. 70: Moncada signs, Ben Badler... (2.23.15)
Scouting Scratch: Yoan Moncada (3.27.15)
Scouting Scratch: Yoan Moncada (8.18.15)
2015 Top 40 Season in Review
Notes from the Field: Day One (3.17.16)
Notes from the Field: Day Two (3.18.16)
Trade Analysis: Scouting the hitting prospects... (12.7.16)
Traded
to Chicago (AL) with Luis Alexander Basabe,
Victor Diaz, and Michael Kopech for
Chris Sale (December 2016) |
Physical Description: Stands out on the field. Filled
out, mature frame. Not the typical build of someone his age. Very
muscular, strong upper body and lower half.
Hit:
Similar swing from both sides of the plate. Fluid; short, but powerful.
Swing has a slight uppercut and two-handed finish. Controlled swing, but
has explosive hands and bat speed. Gets body into swing; clears hips and
whips the bat through the zone. Swing is more natural from the left side,
from which he’s quicker and more direct to the ball. Potential plus hit
tool.
Power: Plus power potential. Slightly
more power from the left side. Ball makes a different sound off his bat.
Natural uppercut in swing creates backspin. Plus raw power. Has shown the
present ability to drive the ball over the fence. Excellent separation in
swing and swing finish allows him to generate loft.
Arm:
Plus arm strength. Could play at any position.
Field:
Has the tools to be a plus defender, but needs consistent reps. Plays
defense with a certain swagger, with a tendency to field balls off to the
side and attempt flashy glove flips and off-balance throws. Seems to lose
some focus on routine ground balls and boot them. Quick hands, but not
necessarily the softest. Needs to work on glove-to-hand transfer.
Physically profiles better at third base or center field, but will start
off his career at second base, where he is most comfortable.
Run: Plus speed. Takes a little time to get going, but
once he does can really move. Long strides, fluid runner.
Career Notes: Signing bonus obliterated previous MLB
record for a minor league contract. Did not defect, but rather was
granted a visa and passport and allowed to leave Cuba. Agent was a
CPA before he began representing Moncada. Bidding involved the Yankees,
Dodgers, and Padres. Has accumulated a number of injuries in first two
seasons in the U.S.: Professional debut was delayed due to May 2015
shoulder strain. Did not play winter ball in Puerto Rico in 2015 due to
bruised hand suffered on a hit-by-pitch in Fall Instructional League.
Missed 12 games in August 2016 due to ankle sprain suffered while sliding.
Left 2016 Arizona Fall League early due to left thumb sprain. Moved to
third base in August 2016.
Summation:
All-star potential, one of the top prospects in baseball. True five-tool
potential. Very exciting player, would likely have been the first overall
pick if he was available in the 2015 draft. Plays the game with swagger.
Could take some time to adjust to the rigors of pro ball after not having
played in a game since December 2013. Will start his career at second
base, but has the tools to play another position. |
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