If the Yankees want to sign an international top talent, this is the time

Over the past weeks the media are full of stories about Yoan Moncada, one of the Cuban defectors that is after an MLB contract. He has worked out in front of several MLB scouts, sometimes even in private sessions for one club only.

In the meantime the Yankees have seen him three times, the last time was in a private workout at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The workout didn’t change their mind on him: they like him a lot. According to Yankee officials, he reminds them to Robinson Cano.

But there is one tiny problem: The price tag. Though Moncada’s agent has not mentioned a price tag in public, Moncada is believed to ask $30 million at least. Even amounts of $40 and $50 million has been rumoured. The Yankees are weary of this price tag because they have spent too much already in the international free agent pool, just like the Dodgers. This means that if they sign him for a $30 million signing bonus they will be taxed 100% by MLB, resulting in $60 million that they have to pay. And that is not all. Because they have spent this much they can only spend $300,000 on international free agents for the coming two years, starting in July 2015.

What the Yankees saw during these workouts was a 220 pound 19-year old who is a switch hitter. His swing from the right side of the plate is very good; his swing from the left side of the is good enough to use him as a switch hitter. But there are concerns. When he left Cuba, he was 205 pounds, so he gained some weight already. They fear that by the time that he will reach the Bigs, he may have outgrown the position and that they have to move him to third base. But can someone who is a natural second baseman play at third? I am referring to the arm strength here. In general second basemen do not have the armstrength of a shortstop or third baseman.

The kid may be very good, but paying $30 million for someone who will spend the first years of his contrat in the minors is a big risk. Since 1997 they have spent big on international busts like Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa. But I think the risk is worth taking. Until July they have the room to spend that kind of money. After June 15th they are limited to $300,000 per year. If they want a diamond in the rough that many consider the real deal, this is their only chance in the time to come.

I have to make an additional remark on this. It was pointed out to me that EVERY team that will sign this kid for a $30 signing bonus has to pay 100% tax on top. This rule is to prevent teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers to spent ridiculous amounts and leave other clubs behind.