As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are exploring options to bolster their third base position without chasing high-profile names. One intriguing candidate, according to Pinstripes Nation’s Sara Molnick, is Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoán Moncada—a former top prospect who could offer a shrewd, low-cost solution for the Bronx Bombers.
Moncada, 30, has shown signs of resurgence in 2025, posting a respectable .237 batting average, 6 home runs, 19 RBIs, and an impressive .841 OPS over 113 plate appearances. However, durability remains a concern, as he landed on the 10-day injured list on June 2 with right knee inflammation, and updates on his return remain limited.
A Cuban international free agent signed by the Boston Red Sox in February 2015, Moncada was a consensus top-10 prospect in 2016, ranked No. 3 by Baseball America, No. 7 by MLB Pipeline, and No. 7 by Baseball Prospectus. That December, he was the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade that sent ace Chris Sale to Boston, landing Moncada with the Chicago White Sox. From 2017 to 2021, the switch-hitter solidified himself as a top-tier third baseman, slashing .261/.347/.440 with 70 home runs, 247 RBIs, and 12.7 bWAR across 531 games.
However, injuries derailed Moncada’s career from 2022 to 2024, limiting him to just 208 games with a lackluster .678 OPS. The White Sox declined his $25 million club option in November 2024, leading him to sign a one-year, $5 million deal with the Angels. His 2025 performance suggests a potential rebound, making him an attractive, budget-friendly target for contenders like the Yankees.
Defensively, Moncada struggles at third base, posting -3 Defensive Runs Saved and -2 Outs Above Average over 232 innings this season. Still, his offensive upside could outweigh those shortcomings, especially for a team like the Yankees, who are seeking cost-effective production. As a pure rental set to hit free agency after the season, Moncada is unlikely to command significant prospect capital in a trade.
While not without risks, Moncada’s bat and low acquisition cost make him a compelling option. The Yankees would be wise to engage with the Angels to explore what it would take to bring the former phenom to the Bronx, potentially turning a once-bust prospect into a key piece for their postseason push.