In a move that could shake up the Bronx, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman is reportedly considering a calculated risk that could provide a much-needed offensive boost for the team’s playoff push.
Moncada, once heralded as the future of baseball after signing with the Boston Red Sox in 2015, has faced significant challenges in recent seasons. After a promising start, injuries have plagued him since 2022, leading to a dramatic decline in performance. However, this season, Moncada is showing signs of resurgence, boasting an impressive .841 OPS over 113 plate appearances, alongside six home runs and 19 RBIs. His offensive prowess could be the spark the Yankees desperately need.
While his defensive skills at third base have raised concerns—recording a minus-3 defensive runs saved—his bat could cover a multitude of sins, especially for a Yankees lineup in dire need of firepower. With the Angels having signed him to a one-year, $5 million deal, the cost for acquiring Moncada would be significantly lower than pursuing a high-profile player, making it a strategic move for Cashman.
However, the clock is ticking. Moncada is currently on a 10-day IL due to knee inflammation, and any trade hinges on the Yankees’ medical staff giving him the green light. As the trade deadline approaches, the urgency is palpable. Will the Yankees gamble on Moncada, banking on his bat to help secure a postseason berth, or will they opt for a safer, pricier option? The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Bronx Bombers prepare for a critical decision that could define their season. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
Contributors: Yoan Moncada, Brian Cashman