There is a new #1 prospect on Sox prospect lists (ESPN.com photo).
MLB.com reports that the Sox have signed Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada for a reported $30 million. The 19 year old second baseman has been playing the last two seasons for Cienfuegos in the Cuban National Series (their MLB) and has hit .277/.388/.380.
It is difficult to make any strong judgments on a player none of us have seen. The reports I have read suggest Pittsburgh’s Neil Walker is a reasonable comp with a ceiling of Robinson Cano for the offense-first middle infielder. Walker may seem like a rather pedestrian comp but his 14 WAR (so far) is fifth among 2004 first round picks.
It is unclear where Moncada will start the year though I have read that the Sox are ticketing him for Portland. When the Sox signed Jose Iglesias they started him at Portland but Iglesias (20 years, 3 months) was a bit older than Moncada (19 years, 11 months) and signed earlier (January 5 versus February 23). The only Latino manager in the Sox’ system is Hi A Salem’s Carlos Febles which may be a point in Salem’s favor as a place to start Moncada.
Ben Badler of Baseball America says that upon becoming official Moncada will rank as the #1 prospect in the Sox’ system and the #10 prospect overall.
