Red Sox Sign Cuban Infielder Yoan Moncada

Stupendous!

Jesse Sanchez, MLB.com:

Cuban top infield prospect Yoan Moncada has agreed to a record-setting bonus with the Red Sox, according to an industry source.

The agreement is pending a physical. The club has not confirmed the deal, which is worth $31.5 million -- a figure that smashes the $8.27 million bonus record for an international amateur under the current signing guidelines, which was given to right-hander Yoan Lopez by the D-backs in January.

It is believed Moncada [19 years old] considered offers from five teams before choosing Boston. He worked out privately for the Brewers, Cubs, D-backs, Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Rangers, Rays, Tigers and Yankees during the past six weeks, according to industry sources. ...

It's been quite a journey for Moncada. The teenager -- who plays second base, shortstop and third base -- starred for Cuba's top team of 15- and 16-year-olds, and he made a name for himself at the U-16 IBAF World Baseball Championships in Mexico.

Moncada made his debut for Cienfuegos in Cuba's Serie Nacional at age 17 and hit .277 during parts of two seasons. He played alongside White Sox slugger Jose Abreu and Dodgers infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena. Moncada was also teammates with Abreu, Arruebarrena and other notable players like Yulieski Gourriel, Alfredo Despaigne and Jose Miguel Fernandez on Cuba's national team during the 2013 World Port Tournament in the Netherlands. Raisel Iglesias, who signed a seven-year, $27 million deal with the Reds last June, was also one of Moncada's teammates.

Moncada may join the Red Sox in Fort Myers as early as tomorrow.

Also:

"Moncada signing big for Red Sox now and later" (Richard Justice, MLB.com)

"Moncada gives Red Sox bona fide star in the making" (Jim Callis, MLB.com)

"Sox great Tiant helped recruit Moncada" (Gordon Edes, ESPNBoston)