The New York Yankees, in need of a new starting second baseman after parting ways with Gleyber Torres, have reportedly turned their attention to a former top prospect on the market.
While the team had initially been quiet on their plans, recent reports suggest they’ve been exploring options that could potentially fill the void left by Torres. Could this player, once considered one of baseball’s brightest stars, be the solution for the Yankees?
That player is Yoán Moncada, the former Boston Red Sox prospect who was traded to the Chicago White Sox in a blockbuster deal in 2016. Moncada, who was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the game, has had a rollercoaster career with Chicago.
Injuries have held him back, limiting him to just 208 games over the past three seasons, including only 12 games in 2024 due to an adductor strain. However, Moncada is expected to be ready for the upcoming spring training.
The Yankees’ interest in Moncada became clear early in the offseason when they requested and received his medical records. Despite his injury struggles, the team has been intrigued by the potential upside of the 29-year-old, who, when healthy, has shown flashes of his former top-prospect form. Moncada’s power and speed, paired with his ability to be an impact player at second base, made him an appealing option for the Yankees as they looked to fill the hole at that position.
While the Yankees didn’t immediately pursue Moncada further, it was believed they would keep a close eye on his situation as other top infielders like Alex Bregman were signed elsewhere. The Yankees even reportedly showed interest in free agent Kiké Hernández, but it seems their search has already led them to a solution.
In a surprising turn, Moncada has officially signed with the Yankees, making his return to New York after several years with the White Sox. The deal has been confirmed, and Moncada is now set to bring his skills to the Bronx, where the Yankees hope he can stay healthy and contribute at a high level in 2025 and beyond.
