A former White Sox player is generating interest in the open market.
Third baseman Yoán Moncada is reportedly being considered by “more than five teams,” according to MLB insider Francys Romero. The Yankees, Blue Jays, and Mariners are among those who are keeping an eye on him this offseason.
Moncada, 29, became a free agent last month after the White Sox declined his $25 million option for the 2025 season, ending his polarizing tenure on the South Side. In eight seasons, the former top prospect slashed .254/.332/.425 with a 107 wRC+ and 14.0 fWAR. Moncada’s best campaign came in 2019, where he hit .315/.367/.548 with a 139 wRC+, 5.2 fWAR, and 25 homers in 132 games. It helped earn him a five-year, $70M contract extension that offseason, though he would never reach those heights again.
Like many of the White Sox “core” pieces, Moncada has struggled with injuries as of late and appeared in just 12 games this past season. Even after he returned to full health in September, interim manager Grady Sizemore made it known that younger players who factored into the team’s long-term plans would be given priority at third base. It was a disappointing end to a clear story of “what if” with Moncada, even though he was an above-average hitter and defender when he was on the field.
Yo knows clutch. pic.twitter.com/q7v1szyvPR
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 5, 2019
Of the three known teams interested in Moncada, Toronto and Seattle currently have the biggest need for a third baseman. The Blue Jays are still trying to find a way to replicate Matt Chapman’s production in their lineup after he left for the Giants last offseason. Ernie Clement served as his primary replacement in 2024, slashing .263/.284/.408 with a 94 wRC+ in 139 games, though the team is expected to look outside the organization for possible upgrades. Free agent Alex Bregman has been linked to the team as well as Alec Bohm, who the Phillies announced would be available this winter via trade.
In a similar spot, the Mariners attempted to replace Eugenio Suarez with a few different utility infielders like Josh Rojas and Dylan Moore in 2024. The two players brought underwhelming results, and while the team hasn’t ruled out the possibility of using the tandem again in 2025, they continue to be linked to names outside the organization. Also expected to be linked to Bohm, the Mariners could certainly opt for Moncada as a cost-effective option with high upside.
The Yankees are in a bit of a different situation from the above teams, though they’ll be looking to improve their roster after falling to the Dodgers in the World Series. The club currently has Jazz Chisholm Jr. at the hot corner, who could easily remain at the position or slide over to second base to replace the recently departed Gleyber Torres. If New York were to re-sign Juan Soto or spend a large amount of money elsewhere on their roster, adding Moncada could be a realistic option.
The success that Moncada has shown when healthy, especially by way of his defense, should lead to continued interest as the offseason progresses. As the rumors continue to circulate, we’ll monitor the situation and provide further updates.
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I can see Moncada getting a minor league or minimum guaranteed deal with incentives. An invite to spring training and earning a spot. Especially, if it is with a team that has a decent training staff, that manages the aches and pains, along with a proper program for player conditioning.
It would not be surprising to see Moncada getting back close the the numbers his posted in 2019… Since he is now free of the cesspool that has become the South-side.