Pirates Reportedly Showing Interest In Yoán Moncada
p/c: Alex Gallardo
Francys Romero of Beisbol FR is reporting that the Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in veteran free agent third baseman Yoan Moncada. Romero says the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays have also shown interest.
Moncada debuted in 2016 with the Boston Red Sox, before getting traded to the White Sox in the Chris Sale deal.
The Cuban born infielder spent eight seasons on the South Side of Chicago, with his best campaign coming in 2019, when put up a .915 OPS, while registering a bWAR of 5.1.
Last offseason, the Angels inked Moncada to a one-year deal for $5 million.
Although he dealt with thumb and knee injuries, Moncada managed to have a respectable season offensively, as he put up a slash line of .234/.336/.448, along with a 116 OPS+. Defensively however, he had a career worst -10 Defensive Runs Saved at third base.
The Pirates could look to upgrade third base; even with the additions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn. Pittsburgh is projected to have Jared Triolo as an internal option.
Eugenio Suarez’s name continues to pop up, in regards to the Pirates’ third base search. Another name the Bucs have expressed in is Kazuma Okamoto, who has until January 4th to sign on with an MLB club.