Yoan Moncada’s ascent is about to begin.
Moncada, who is widely considered the Boston Red Sox’s top prospect, will make his professional debut Monday at Single-A Greenville. The 19-year-old infielder has spent the last month-plus in extended spring training in Fort Myers, Fla.
Moncada signed a contract with the Red Sox back in March. The deal included a $31.5 million signing bonus, though Boston is on the hook for $63 million because of a 100 percent tax the organization was required to pay Major League Baseball for blowing past its allotted international bonus pool.
“Yoan Moncada is one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory, so to have him on the Greenville Drive roster is a huge thrill for our organization,” Drive general manager Eric Jarinko said, according to the team’s website. “Our fans have seen the impressive talent the Red Sox have assembled in Greenville to begin this season, and we can’t wait to see him on the field as he begins his professional journey with the Drive.”
Moncada worked exclusively at second base during his time at extended spring training, and he’ll likely do the same at Greenville. His athleticism could allow him to move around the diamond if needed, but Moncada still is acclimating himself to baseball in the United States. He hadn’t played an organized game since the end of 2013 before extended spring training because of his defection from Cuba.
Moncada, a switch-hitter, features a rear combination of power and speed, making him one of MLB’s most intriguing prospects. It could be a few years before he arrives in the majors, but the journey must start somewhere.
And that somewhere is Monday night at Fluor Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@BaseballAmerica
