Tuesday Links: Yoan Moncada an expensive, but important, sign for Boston

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

The Red Sox clearly weren’t suffering a weekend hangover, as they agreed to a $31.5 million deal with Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada, early Monday morning. On top of the money owed to the 19-year old, Boston will need to pay an additional $31.5 million in international tax penalties.

The Red Sox certainly weren’t alone in courting Moncada, as clubs like the Yankees and the Brewers were both heavily involved in the negotiations.

With Pablo Sandoval and Dustin Pedroia locking down second base and third base respectively, and a crowded outfield to boot, Boston’s roster doesn’t feature a logical landing place for Moncada. However, at just 19-years of age, Moncada is young enough to not require an immediate roster move. Instead, Moncada figures to need a year or two to assimilate to American baseball. In the meantime, the addition of Moncada makes the Red Sox top-5 rated farm system that much better.

• The prospect of signing a 19-year old, switch hitter with power is certainly an exciting one, but what exactly are the Red Sox getting in Yoan Moncada? Just by looking at him, you can tell that the 6’3, 255 pond infielder is as chiseled as a statue. But he has also been known by scouts as a 5-tool player, which means that Boston will likely move mountains if necessary to fit him on the roster in the future. (Red Sox have agreement to sign Moncada for $31.5 million)

• Investing $60.5 million in a player with no major league experience seems like a risky business decision, but it could be more of a bargain than you think. A team like the Red Sox rarely get a chance to draft a 19-year old with 5-tool potential like Moncada, and his advanced skill set could offer a more reliable investment. (Why Moncada projects to be a bargain for Red Sox)

• After representing the Red Sox triple-A club for the past 40 years, the city of Pawtucket will no longer be the last stop on Boston’s minor league circuit. The team was sold to an undisclosed buyer, who will reportedly move the team to Providence, Rhode Island. (The Red Sox’ triple-A team is leaving Pawtucket for Providence)

• With exactly one day to go before the Red Sox official report date, David Ortiz arrived in Fort Myers. Since landing in Boston back in 2003, Ortiz has etched himself into Red Sox history and has subsequently become one of the springs most highly anticipated arrivals. (The fun starts as David Ortiz at Red Sox camp)

• Tweet of the day: I think we’ll see 2013-like chemistry this season