The Chicago White Sox were busy in the offseason, signing Yasmani Grandal, Edwin Encarnacion and Dallas Keuchel in free agency and they were also able to re-sign a key piece of their young core, as third baseman Yoan Moncada agreed to a five-year contract extension.
Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
“3B Yoan Moncada in agreement with #WhiteSox on five-year extension with a club option, sources tell The Athletic. Dollars not yet known. Would potentially buy out two free-agent years. If option is exercised, Moncada would hit open market after age 30 season.”
Rosenthal explained that Moncada’s deal is for $70 million and can get as high as $90 million:
“Source confirms: Moncada five-year extension is for $70M. Exercising of club option can bring total value to $90M.”
Moncada had a breakout season last year, hitting .315 with 25 home runs and 79 RBIs in 132 games. He also improved his defense at third base considerably.
The 24-year-old came over to the White in the trade that sent Chris Sale to the Red Sox and he hit .412 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 102 at-bats in September.
The White Sox had been pursuing an extension with Moncada since February but talks between both parties seemed to stop before the start of spring training. The White Sox did show commitment to improve their roster and keep their young players, so a deal with Moncada was always a real possibility.
