According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Cuban phenom Yoan Moncada is done working out for prospective suitors, and is now in the “contract phase” of his free agency.
It was reported last night by George A. King of the Post that the Yankees held a “secret” second workout for Moncada, perhaps wanting to get another look at the 19-year-old before offering big bucks for his services.
Because the Yankees have maxed out their international signing budget for this signing period, there is a 100 percent tax associated with signing another international player. Therefore, a $40M deal for Moncada would actually be worth $80M.
Moncada, 19, is seen as a can’t-miss prospect, and would be a number one overall pick in the amateur draft. However, giving upwards of $40M to a guy who hasn’t played a game in the majors yet is seen as being high risk, since prospects don’t always pan out. Moncada isn’t viewed as a finished product, and would likely start out in the lower levels of the minor leagues.
Regardless, there is plenty of competition for Moncada. The Dodgers are seen as the major threat to the Yankees for signing him.
It came out last week that Moncada’s agent wanted a destination for his client by Feb. 23. Now that Moncada is in the contract phase, we could have a decision from him relatively soon.
