Courtesy: USA Today
For Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada, the MLB bidding war has begun; and the Philadelphia Phillies should go all in for him. The 19 year old phenom has been compared to Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig in terms of talent. He is the type of five tool player to build your future roster around.
At such a young age, there is no need to rush Yoan Moncada into a big league lineup. The Philadelphia Phillies will be one of the few teams that can afford to use patience when it comes to his development. He can be brought up like any other regular teenage prospect, progressing from the bottom stages of the farm system. Making sure Yoan Moncada is ready before reaching the MLB will cut risks with immaturity both physically and mentally.
Courtesy: Rant Sports
While the Philadelphia Phillies also have the positional need to bring in the Cuban middle infielder. Though Yoan Moncada has worked out at shortstop and third base, his most natural fit is second base. While moving through the farm system, he would eventually take over for fan favorite, Chase Utley. Yet not having his development expedited, as the All-Star second baseman is still under contract for possibly another four seasons (with the club holding three vesting options after 2015). Utley (who recently turned 36) has publicly stated he would like to finish out his career with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Yoan Moncada would instantly boost the farm system, adding another blue chip prospect along side 2013 first round pick, shortstop J.P. Crawford. The two would lead the future as a dynamic double play duo, reminiscent of shortstop Jimmy Rollins and Utley. While the Philadelphia Phillies will still be adding more organizational depth whenever they find trade partners for starters Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and closer Jonathan Papelbon in the coming months.
The biggest hindrance to any deal with Yoan Moncada is the contract demands. While expecting the bidding to reach up to $40-$50 million, it would essentially deplete the international signing pool for any roster. Each team is allotted a maximum amount of funds towards foreign players that have not played professionally elsewhere for more than five years. His deal would drastically hinder a team’s future plans in the international market.
Courtesy: CSN Philly
But the Philadelphia Phillies are setting up for immediate failure while rebuilding. Meaning they will be drafting in the top several picks for the next couple seasons. So even if a Yoan Moncada deal prevents any other international signings, the organization will still be able to add top young talent. The Philadelphia Phillies have been successful in the first round the past several seasons picking the No. 7 (Crawford) and 57 (2014 selection- pitcher Aaron Nola) overall MLB prospects (rankings according to ESPN’s Keith Law) the past two seasons. They hold the tenth overall pick this season and will likely be even higher next year, with the blatant tanking they are undertaking.
So adding an elite level prospect like Yoan Moncada will jump start the rebuild for the Philadelphia Phillies. Developing several highly talented youngsters through the system has worked well for the organization in the recent past. And the star Cuban infielder could be the key piece to repeating the most prolific run in franchise history.
