The New York Yankees reportedly had Cuban teenager Yoan Moncada in for a "secret" second workout this week and may be back in the lead for his services. Moncada, 19, is the most highly-touted Cuban prospect since Yasiel Puig.
Because of his ripe age and prodigious, five-tool talent, he's expected to land a deal that could reach $40 million. Due to his age, he is subject to international signing taxes that call for a 100 percent tax on every dollar over the limit. At the end of the day, that tax could equal his contract, in essence doubling the amount the team that signs him will have to pay.
He isn't going to be in the majors right away, so that is giving some teams pause about sinking so much money into him.
"He would have to start at Single-A and that is a lot of money for somebody to begin at that level,'' an international scout said. "If he was in the draft he would be a first-round pick but that's a long way from that type of money for a 19-year-old.''
Even if he requires two years in the minors, as has been said he might need per The New York Post, the Yankees are particularly desperate for someone of his talent and youth. This season the Yankees will have just one regular start less than 30 years old (shortstop Didi Gregorius), and have very little in the pipeline in terms of minor leaguers who are ready to contribute in the near future.
The Yankees should receive stiff competition from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Moncada, who are also believed to be in on fellow Cuban infielder Hector Olivera. The San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox are also considered serious suitors for Moncada.
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