Report: Angels Sign Yoán Moncada to a 1-Year Deal
Feb 6, 2025 - Written by Kian Behravan
Photo Credit : @MLBTradeRumors - X
The Angels are reaching an agreement with former White Sox third baseman Yoán Moncada on a one-year, $5 million deal (pending physical), according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
The Cuban third baseman is looking to bounce back after having a poor ending to his eight seasons in Chicago. The 29-year old former top prospect had done well, putting up decent numbers in his first three seasons and earning himself MVP votes in 2019, when he hit above .300 with a career-high of 25 homers. The Sox signed him to a $70 million extension, thinking he would be the cornerstone the team badly needed.
However, that’s not how things panned out. Since 2020, he’s been below average and has missed many games due to injury, most notably 150 games of the 2024 season for a left adductor strain. By the time he was back, the Sox were finishing out their worst season in franchise history. It seemed settled that they’d buy him out for $5 million instead of a $25 million club option.
Is this Anthony Rendon’s Replacement?
No–it’s not a replacement, but an assistant. Since both Anthony Rendon and Moncada are just getting back, it only makes sense for them to split time at third. In the event one gets hurt, which is likely to happen, the other would be able to step in and become an everyday player. Moncada has a better stat line against righties, as does Rendon against lefties. A platoon between the two is the best move for the Angels.
What about the Roster Space?
Room on the roster has to be made for the signing to be official. Two names come to mind when thinking about this problem: Robert Stephenson and José Suarez. Stephenson missed all of 2024 with an elbow injury and is uncertain of a return by opening day. GM Perry Minasian told reporters during this year’s Winter Meetings that he sees a return by the middle of April to early May, but will refrain from rushing anything. The Angels will have the opportunity on Wednesday to transfer Stephenson back on the 60-day IL. If they do, it’ll open up a spot for Moncada, who will attend Spring Training. As time goes on, the Angels will be more prepared to figure out who they need to drop once the reliever comes back.
Jose Suarez has haunted the minds of millions of Angels fans ever since he debuted. In six seasons (2019-2024), he pitched in 99 games and put up a devastating 5.47 ERA and a 1.473 WHIP. Making for an outrageous 79 ERA+ (league average 100). Even with this track record across his career, the Angels have repeatedly refused to let go of him. It doesn’t seem like Suarez will become a star pitcher once the Angels let him go. Getting rid of Suarez would be a no-risk, high-reward transaction, with the reward being Suarez off the team and the deal with Moncada solidified as early as possible.
Overall, this deal with Moncada can prove to be a great one if he can figure things out and stay healthy. If things don’t pan out, it won’t be too much of a problem. From a statistical perspective, it seems like a good move by Minasian. There are a few days left until Spring Training starts, and these last-minute deals have the potential to help the Angels significantly as we approach Opening Day.
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