The Boston Red Sox have yet to sign a true ace to head up their pitching staff, but they have been as busy as any team this offseason. After signing third baseman Pablo Sandoval and outfielder/shortstop/third baseman Hanley Ramirez to give their lineup some extra pop and starting pitchers Rick Porcello, Wade Miley, and Justin Masterson to essentially redo the rotation in one offseason, many thought the Sox would next be after a true number one starter. Instead, it was reported Monday morning by MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez that the Red Sox have agreed to a deal with 19 year old swtich-hitting Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada which includes a signing bonus in the range of $30 million.
Because of that signing bonus, the Red Sox must also pay a luxury tax of roughly the same amount, making an investment worth a total of about $60 million. Additionally, the Red Sox are now restricted from signing international amateurs for more than $300,000 during the next two international signing periods. However, Moncada has the potential to be well worth such a high cost.
Moncada is the most highly coveted international prospect in quite some time. Scouts believe that he is a true five-tool talent and that his upside is comparable to that of Robinson Cano or Chase Utley. The Red Sox have also had some success recently with pricey Cuban players. Though fellow Cuban Rusney Castillo’s sample size with the Red Sox is admittedly limited, the organization has been impressed with early returns (.333 batting average, .928 OPS in 36 at-bats), and former Red Sox Alex Cora, who has been coaching Castillo in the Cuban League during the offseason, believes that Castillo will do great things for Boston. Should both players live up to their potential, the heavy investment will prove to be shrewd as well for a front office that needs some wins after a disastrous 2014 season.
Strangely, the Red Sox do not actually have a pressing need for Moncada’s services, despite his lofty upside. Dustin Pedroia remains entrenched at second base, while Xander Bogaerts is still believed to be the future at shortstop. As for third base, the Sox recently inked Sandoval to a $95 million deal to man the hot corner. Some believe that Moncada could move to center field, but that slot is currently occupied by the aforementioned Castillo.
To be sure, there are worse problems for a club to have than an overabundance of quality depth. It allows time for some players to refine their skills more in the minors if necessary, and provides insurance in the event of an injury and flexibility in the event of a trade. However, if Moncada is as good as advertised, the Sox will want to get him into the lineup as soon and as often as possible.
While the Boston Red Sox may not have found a true ace for their rotation yet, the remade pitching staff and still-under-construction lineup should at least allow them to contend for a playoff spot in the 2015 season. Should all the new faces, including Castillo and Moncada, play up to their potential, worst-to-first-to-worst-to-first is not outside the realm of possibility.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LastWordJBerg. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Photo: MLB.com
