AGE: 21
POSITION: 2B/3B
TEAM: Portland Sea Dogs (AA affiliate of Boston Red Sox)
SIGNED: As international Free Agent in 2015
SCOUTING REPORT: A plus arm allows him to play all over the infield and even see some time in centerfield. Glove is average at best, but makes up for it with exceptional range. His speed is his biggest asset, and could steal 50+ bases per year at the major league level. Power continues to develop and should max out above average for MLB second basemen. Can hit for average and power, although the strikeout numbers in 2016 were a little high. Generally regarded as a 5 tool prospect, and a top prospect in the Red Sox system. Overall a 65 prospect on the 20-80 scale.
STATS: Hit a solid .278 with Low-A Greenville with 8 home runs in 81 games. Added a phenomenal 49 steals while only being caught stealing three times. Split 2016 between Salem (High A) and Portland. Combined for .298/15/61 slash through August 31. Has stolen 45 bases. 122 strikeouts against 72 walks between the two levels this year. Has committed 17 errors this year, after 23 last year. OBP ha dipped from .427 in High-A to .388 in AA.
PROJECTION: This guys could very well be the next Cuban star. He has the speed, the power is starting to come around, and he's just explosive offensively. The big questions remain with his glove, as he has yet to put together a solid defensive campaign. The Red Sox are considering having him bypass AAA and bringing him straight up for the stretch run when rosters expand. But with Dustin Pedroia at second base, Moncada would most likely move to third. Will he be able to learn on the job, or will Boston decide to keep him in the minors after all. Down the line, Moncada will be an All-Star infielder who will garner some pretty lucrative paydays. Expect him to average .280, 20-25 HR, 40 SB per season in the Majors.
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