So Sad: Jays infielder returns to the field after set back….Read more

At least five teams have been keeping tabs on Yoan Moncada, a free agent infielder, according to reports that surfaced on Wednesday. The Toronto Blue Jays are among those teams.

It was revealed on Thursday that Moncada got a hand injury and had to leave a Premier12 Tournament game. In that competition, which features the top twelve international teams in the globe, he has been playing for Cuba.

We learned later on Thursday that Moncada’s health status was largely positive, but that he will likely sit out the remainder of the competition.

According to Cuban Baseball Insider Francys Romero on social media:

Despite X-rays ruling out a fracture, Yoan Moncada will miss the remainder of the Premier League season due to significant swelling in his right hand.

According to X-rays, Yoan Moncada’s right hand is not fractured, but there is significant swelling, therefore he may not be able to play in the remaining Premier 12 matches. #Premier12

“Francys Romero” (@francysromeroFR) Thanksgiving Day, 2024
After the White Sox passed on Moncada’s $25 million team option, he was free to sign with any team he wanted this summer. With vacancies at second and third base, the trade with the Blue Jays makes theoretical sense for the Toronto Blue Jays. The infield places for next year are already secured by Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. If the organization decides to keep Guerrero Jr. at first base, Moncada may be moved to third.

Adding an impact third baseman like Alex Bregman would eliminate the need for Moncada, but the Jays seem intent on acquiring outfielder Juan Soto at the moment. They may have to cut costs elsewhere if they want to get Soto. On a “prove-it” type of transaction, Moncada might be gotten for a big penny.

Although it has been some time, Moncada does have a record. During the 2019 season, he hit 25 home runs. In 2021, he also hit.263 with an on-base percentage of.375. It was in 2023 when he hit.260.

Over the last several years, Moncada has been plagued by injury problems. After appearing in 92 games in 2023 and 104 games in 2022, he appeared in just 12 games in 2024. From 2018 until 2021, he was a reliable performer, but that was before his injury. His health is always a priority, so it’s encouraging to learn that he narrowly avoided a calamity with this hand injury.