With Spring Training upon us, contract extensions are a natural discussion point. The White Sox have a solid history of reaching extensions in February and March. Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson, Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, and Adam Eaton are some recent examples. Will Yoan Moncada be next?
Just yesterday, it was announced that Moncada switched his representation from David Hastings to Movement Management. Movement Management does not represent many high-profile baseball players, but they do represent Norge Vera, the Cuban right-handed pitcher who the White Sox are reportedly signing when the new international signing period opens this July.
The timing of this announcement — just days after news of the Vera signing leaked — is interesting in itself. One might wonder if Moncada changed agents in hopes of the new group reaching an extension with the White Sox and taking a smaller commission than the former agent. Moncada would almost certainly make nine figures on the open market following the 2023 season, but he has previously expressed his affection for Chicago and the White Sox organization. With countreymen Luis Robert signed long-term and Jose Abreu rewarded for his stellar career with a three-year deal, perhaps Moncada is amenable to a new deal of his own.
There are obviously many factors that go into contract extensions, but if Moncada himself is interested in one, chances are that Rick Hahn and the White Sox will make it happen in the near future. Moncada’s arbitration years would need to be bought out, and the White Sox would likely tack on a few extra years at a larger sum to increase his team control. Alex Bregman’s five-year, $100 million extension with the Astros may serve as a comparison. A potential extension with Moncada will be an interesting story to follow before the season begins.
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