According to Francys Romero on Twitter/X, the Chicago Cubs extended a one-year, $3 million offer to Yoan Moncada before he agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Moncada’s decision to accept the Angels’ reported $5 million offer was expected. However, the Cubs’ proposal comes amid speculation linking them to free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who turned down a six-year, $156 million offer from the Houston Astros earlier this offseason. NorthSideBaseball.com revealed Tuesday that the Cubs presented Bregman with a “creative” four-year deal worth approximately $30 million annually, including multiple opt-outs.
While signing Moncada wouldn’t have necessarily taken the Cubs out of the running for Bregman, it would have created a logjam in the infield, with Michael Busch at first, Nico Hoerner at second, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, and rookie Matt Shaw poised to take over at third.
Once a Top-10 MLB prospect in 2016 and 2017 within the Boston Red Sox system, Moncada was traded to the White Sox as part of the Chris Sale deal. Now 29, Moncada aims for a comeback in 2025 after being limited to just 40 at-bats in 2024 due to injuries. Over his nine-year career with Boston and Chicago, Moncada has hit 93 home runs, tallied 339 RBIs, and posted a .254/.331/.424 slash line.
The White Sox chose to exercise a $5 million buyout instead of picking up Moncada’s $25 million option for 2025. In a September interview with MLB.com, Moncada reflected on his time in Chicago, acknowledging the impact of injuries on his performance.
In Anaheim, Moncada will reunite with former White Sox teammate Tim Anderson, who recently signed a minor league deal with the Angels. Moncada also has the opportunity to challenge veteran Anthony Rendon for the third base position.
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