The Chicago White Sox are parting ways with third baseman Yoán Moncada after eight seasons of service. On Thursday, Chicago announced that they would not be exercising their $25 million club option on Yoán Moncada for 2025. The veteran infielder will instead receive a $5 million buyout and become a free agent.
White Sox Decline Club Option For Longtime Third Baseman
The former top-five prospect was acquired by the White Sox as part of the Chris Sale trade with the Red Sox in 2016. Moncada had a breakout campaign in 2019, launching 25 home runs and slashing .315/.367/.548 in 132 games. When combined with his strong defense, he owned a 5.2 WAR and finished 21st in AL MVP voting. Chicago bet on Moncada by giving him a five-year, $70 million extension which included a club option in 2020.
Chicago White Sox Decline Club Option For Third Baseman Yoán Moncada
The 29-year-old infielder struggled during the shortened pandemic season that year but bounced back with a strong campaign in 2021. In the three seasons since then, however, Moncada has been limited to just 208 games because of various injuries. A left adductor strain held him to just 12 games and kept him on the injured list for most of the season. When he was healthy, Chicago opted to give more playing time to younger players.
While the White Sox declining Moncada’s club option comes as no surprise, parting ways with the veteran infielder will have little effect on the franchise moving forward. Despite taking Moncada’s salary off the books, the White Sox are still expected to cut payroll as they shift their focus toward the future. Chicago fired manager Pedro Grifol in August, breaking the single-season record for losses in baseball’s modern era. The rebuilding White Sox hired Rangers associate manager Will Venable to lead the team moving forward.
Even though Moncada’s time in Chicago has ended, he could still find a club willing to bet on him. Moncada is relatively young and has a limited free agent market; he is a risky bet but has upside potential.
Main Photo Credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
