The Chicago White Sox, traded away Chris Sale originally to jump-start their first rebuild, which netted them a ton of prospects in return.
The biggest names in that return for sale were Yoán Moncada and Michael Kopech, who are no longer with the White Sox organization.
The White Sox decided to move on from Moncada this offseason after two years of him not being able to stay healthy, and the White Sox traded Kopech to the Dodgers at last year’s trade deadline.
Former Chicago White Sox infielder signs with the Angels
The White Sox decided to move on from Moncada earlier this offseason by paying him his $5 million buyout instead of picking up his $25 million option for this season. A once talented young prospect who came over in the Chris Sale trade, the White Sox had high hopes for Moncada, who the White Sox thought of being a centerpiece for years to come.
Sadly, that didn’t pan out, with Moncada not being able to stay healthy with only appearing in 104 games out of a possible 324 games in the last two seasons. Since becoming a free agent, Moncada had drawn a lot of interest from teams, but according to the New York Post Jon Heyman, the Los Angeles Angels are signing Moncada to a $5 million deal.
“Yoan Moncada to Angels. $5M. Could be a good spot for Moncada under Ron Washington“
Yoan Moncada to Angels. $5M. Could be good spot for Moncada under Ron Washington
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 7, 2025
A player with a ton of talent
Moncada has all the ability to be a star. However, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy to let that star shine. Last season, Moncada appeared in just 12 games for the White Sox before going down with an adductor strain, which Moncada suffered early last season. Before that, Moncada’s best season came in 2019, where he finished 21st in the MVP voting and hit .315/.367/.548 with an OPS and OPS+ of .915 and 140.
The 29-year-old still has gas left in the tank and needs to show he can stay healthy because he can be a productive big leaguer again. Going to the Angels, where Ron Washington is the manager, should do wonders for Moncada, as Heyman mentioned. Washington is the right person to get Moncada back into shape and bring back out the player Moncada was backing in 2019.
Moncada will figure to be in the running to be the Angles everyday third baseman for this season. The status of what the Angles will do with Anthony Rendon, who has not been productive for them since signing his deal is still up in the air.
Moncada will soon return
The White Sox face the Angles at home on Opening Day. Both Moncada and Tim Anderson have the chance to be there.
Both were key members of the White Sox rebuild and should get a nice welcome home once they return on March 27.
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