Ex-White Sox veteran exits Cuba vs. Korea game after being hit by pitch in WBSC Premier 12
Yoan Moncada, a 29-year-old third baseman and potential key free agent in the MLB, has suffered an injury in the WBSC Premier 12 on Thursday. The former top prospect was hit in the hand by a pitch and had to be removed from the Cuba vs. Korea matchup.
In the dugout, trainers had to wrap the injured hand while Moncada appeared to be in some pain. The trainers also had ice ready for the player to prevent any major swelling.
During the time of writing, Cuba, without the help of the former Chicago White Sox star, trailed by four runs in the eighth inning against Korea. Moncada was pinch-run for and replaced at third base by Roberto Baldoquin.
Baldoquin is a prospect in the Los Angeles Angels farm system. Before leaving, Moncada was 0-2 with a strikeout. In all competitions in the Premier 12, the free-agent infielder was hitting .143 with a .393 OPS.
Cuban pitcher Livan Moinelo struggled in his start, going two innings and allowing four hits, two walks, six earned runs and striking out four batters. The Cuban offense has not been able to recover from this.
Yoan Moncada seeking new home in MLB free agency
Yoan Moncada played eight games with the Boston Red Sox last season before being a key part of the Chris Sale trade. While it wasn't always pretty, he went on to play eight seasons with the White Sox, and now he's hit free agency.
The third-base market isn't all that full. It's led by Alex Bregman, but Moncada should have a decent market. Early reports indicate that the Yankees are very interested in signing him.
The Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners have also expressed interest. Moncada may not have lived up to his billing as a top prospect, but he's still just 29 and has a few good MLB seasons under his belt. It may also help to not play for a 121-loss team.
Moncada's team in 2024 lost 121 games, which is the MLB record excluding the Cleveland Spiders who played in the 1800s. A change of scenery might do the third baseman some good.