GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- In the wake of his five-year, $70-million contract extension with the White Sox, third baseman Yoan Moncada on Friday afternoon turned his attention to the ultimate goal for himself and his team.
Winning a title.
"We have a lot of young talent here," said Moncada, who celebrated with a three-hit game against the Cubs. "We all should be able to help carry this team to a World Series and a championship. We all feel very excited. I am very happy with this extension. It is something I really wanted so I can have a pretty long run with this organization."
Moncada's run on his new deal could last through 2025, as the contract includes a $25-million team option after the first five years. If that option is exercised, Moncada will earn $90 million over six years.
The contract talks with Moncada began fairly recently.
"The negotiations had been going on less than two weeks," general manager Rick Hahn said. "We had talks with his agent so Yoan could give his level of interest. This seemed to be the right time for a justifiable guarantee for both sides and contract control certainly for us."
After struggling often in a 2018 season in which he struck out an MLB-high 217 times, Moncada made some adjustments and produced a breakout 2019. He hit .315 with 25 homers, 79 RBIs and a .915 OPS in 130 games last season.
He now hopes to build on it with a group of teammates that he has grown close with.
"Now our focus is just to working hard and trying to win with this group," Moncada said. "Money is a big part of the game, but we just want to play baseball and do a good job."
Moncada's extension is the latest in a long line of them for the White Sox, who have become industry leaders in locking down their youngsters early. Left fielder Eloy Jimenez, center fielder Luis Robert and shortstop Tim Anderson are other core members who previously signed long-term extensions.
"We can say we have (some) of the most exciting players in the American League locked up for the next six years," Hahn said. "That is a good feeling. These are young players who are still evolving and haven't likely reached their ceilings. They should put us in a strong position for a long time. It's nice to have that base."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
