A White Sox reunion is brewing in Southern California. Former White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada inked a one-year, $5 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels making him the third South Side infield alumni to join the Halos. However, the Chicago Cubs reportedly tried to break up the reunion.
The Cubs expressed strong interest in adding Moncada, offering a one-year deal worth roughly $3 million, according to MLB insider Francys Romero. Instead, he will reunite with Tim Anderson and Yolmer Sanchez who joined the Angles as non-roster invitees.
The Cub’s interest in Moncada makes sense. He is a good fielding third baseman with experience playing second base. With Nico Horner and Matt Shaw holding down those two starting spots for the Cubs, the switch-hitting Moncada would provide a nice left-handed bat off the bench.
Unfortunately, Moncada’s career with the White Sox was defined by injuries and a failure to live up to expectations. During his eight seasons on the South Side, he participated in just 62 percent of the team’s games. After another back flare-up on June 14th, Moncada went on the IL and did not return to action until July 24th. The White Sox front office declined his $25 million club option after Moncada slashed .254/.332/.425 with 93 home runs, 338 RBIs, and a 28.8 percent strikeout rate during his tenure in Chicago.
