Yoan Moncada just can’t escape the injury bug.
The former White Sox third baseman was forced to leave Thursday’s WBSC Premier12 game between Cuba and Korea after getting hit on his right hand. The incident occurred during his at-bat in the fifth inning, and Moncada appeared to be in serious pain before departing.
Once returning to the dugout, trainers could be seen icing Moncada’s hand and wrapping it to prevent further swelling. Manager Armando Johnson revealed after the game that Moncada did not suffer a fracture in his right hand, providing a bit of good news. He is doubtful to return for the rest of the Premier 12 due to significant swelling, according to insider Francys Romero.
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.
The unfortunate break comes less than a day after rumors linked the free agent to at least five MLB teams. The Yankees, Blue Jays, and Mariners are among those who are keeping an eye on him this offseason.
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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Featured Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
