The New York Yankees have been looking for an answer at third base over the past few years. A temporary solution may come from an unlikely place.
According to insider Francys Romero, the Yankees could emerge as a suitor for Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada. Romero further stated that Moncada, despite his injury concerns, “checks every box” in regard to what the Yankees are looking for at the hot corner.
Moncada had signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Angels this offseason as he looked to prove that he could still be a productive hitter. He had posted a solid .237/.336/.505 batting line in 113 plate appearances, hitting six homers and six doubles.
The injury bug has hit Moncada again despite that strong start. He missed a month earlier in the season due to a right thumb strain and is currently on the injured list due to inflammation in his right knee.
Although Moncada has a significant injury history, he would be an upgrade offensively for the Yankees. Their third basemen have produced a combined .221/.303/.371 batting line heading into Thursday, hitting just 10 home runs. Neither Oswaldo Cabrera nor Oswald Peraza have been able to establish themselves at the major league level, leaving a hole in the New York lineup.
The question is whether or not the Angels are interested in trading Moncada. They have hovered around .500 for most of the season and are on the edge of the playoff hunt. Infielder Luis Rengifo has emerged as the Angels’ primary third baseman in Moncada’s absence but has produced a disappointing .230/.273/.315 batting line in 290 plate appearances, hitting just four home runs and nine doubles. The Angels may not be able to afford to trade Moncada given their postseason aspirations.
