The New York Yankees are cruising at the top of the American League East, dominating the field with 15 wins in their last 20 games, and securing a big win against their forever rivals, the Boston Red Sox. But despite sitting comfortably ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays and owning the second-best record in Major League Baseball, not everything is perfect in the Bronx.
Since Gleyber Torres walked away in free agency, the Yankees’ infield has been a constant game of musical chairs. Injuries have only worsened the instability, forcing manager Aaron Boone to juggle lineups week after week.
But now, there’s a twist no one saw coming.
According to Pinstripes Nation writer Sara Molnick, there’s a bold new plan on the table: the Yankees could pursue a once-hyped, now-overlooked talent to plug their infield hole—none other than Yoán Moncada.
Yes, that Yoán Moncada. The Cuban sensation who once had every scout drooling. The guy who earned a jaw-dropping $31.5 million signing bonus from the Boston Red Sox at just 19—so big, the total cost to the team hit $63 million after luxury taxes. In 2017, he was the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball.
And now? He’s a $5 million utility piece on the Los Angeles Angels’ roster, currently sidelined with right knee inflammation, trying to stay relevant at 30.
“Moncada has shown flashes of his potential,” Molnick pointed out, citing his .237 average, six home runs, and 19 RBIs. “His health status will be a key factor in any trade considerations.”
Despite his inconsistencies and the weight of past expectations, Moncada still carries tools that make scouts perk up—he’s a switch-hitter with power, plays across the corners, and might thrive if he’s freed from the shadows of his past.
Molnick added, “He could be a bounce-back candidate in a new environment.” And if there’s any place that thrives on redemption stories, it’s New York.
Let’s not forget the strange irony here: Moncada’s major league debut was with the Red Sox—the very team Yankees fans love to hate. In a twisted baseball soap opera, Boston shipped him off to the White Sox in the blockbuster deal that brought them ace Chris Sale. Now, years later, that same kid is floating in limbo, and it could be the Yankees who rescue him.
At a low trade cost, the Yankees could snatch Moncada from the Angels without giving up any major prospect capital. For a team looking to cement its World Series credentials, it’s a classic high-upside, low-risk move. And it sends a signal—they’re all in.
Moncada isn’t a sure thing. Injuries have chipped away at his potential. But for a team that’s already firing on most cylinders, he might just be the missing gear. A Moncada comeback in pinstripes? That’s the kind of Bronx fairytale fans live for.
While critics might scoff at the idea of banking on a fading star, history loves a redemption arc—and Yankee Stadium could be the stage where Moncada finally becomes the player he was always meant to be.
Stay tuned. If this trade goes down, the Bronx Bombers could be unleashing one of the most fascinating career resurrections in MLB.
Because in New York, even baseball ghosts get second chances. ⚾🔥
Originally reported by Jon Vankin via The Macon Telegraph.
