New York Yankees has suggested the team could be eyeing Yoan Moncada as a potential replacement for Gleyber Torres at second base.
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Yankees, as they focus on key offseason decisions. While they successfully retained ace Gerrit Cole, the major question looming is whether they can bring back superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Soto is the crown jewel of this year’s free-agent class and will likely attract significant interest from multiple teams.
In addition to the outfield, the Yankees also face decisions regarding their infield. They need to determine their starters at first, second, and third base. Jazz Chisholm Jr., acquired at the trade deadline, is capable of playing second or third, though it seems more likely he’ll be slotted at third base.
The team has been linked to potential first base options, including former NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt. But a new name has emerged this week as a possible second base replacement for Torres: Yoan Moncada.
According to MLB reporter Francys Romero, Moncada is drawing interest from more than five MLB teams, with the Yankees among the clubs monitoring him.
Moncada, who was once viewed as a future All-Star with the Chicago White Sox, has struggled to regain that form in recent years, largely due to injury issues, including a hip injury that limited him to just 12 games in 2024.
Career stats for Moncada include a .254 batting average, .331 on-base percentage, .424 slugging percentage, and 93 home runs. Despite a decline in performance over the past few seasons, the 29-year-old still has potential, and if he can stay healthy, he could be a valuable contributor at second base for the Yankees. Furthermore, after a series of down years, he is unlikely to command a high price on the market. Moncada’s 25-home run performance in 2019, which earned him an All-Star nod, suggests he still has the talent to make an impact.
