CHICAGO (670 The Score) – When third baseman Yoan Moncada joined the White Sox in a blockbuster trade in December 2016, the hope was he’d develop into a five-tool star of the future.
In the seven seasons since then, the White Sox have only gotten the occasional hint of that type of exciting player. And as free agency could loom for him at the end of the 2024 season — the White Sox hold a $25-million team option on him for 2025 — Moncada is aiming to have a banner campaign and make up for a lot of what-ifs.
To achieve that, the often-injured 28-year-old Moncada knows he needs to stay healthy as he was limited to 104 games in 2022 and 92 games in 2023 due to chronic back and leg issues.
"My offseason has been devoted to getting my core strong,” Moncada told reporters Thursday. “My focus has been on my abs, hamstrings and quads, getting my whole body strong.”
Moncada had a breakout 2019 season in which he had 25 homers and a .915 OPS but otherwise has played unremarkable baseball during his White Sox tenure. Moncada hit .260 with 11 homers, 40 RBIs and a .730 OPS last season. That came after he hit .212 with a .626 OPS in 2022.
“Moncada says he is really good right now," White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said of Moncada's health during a media session at the Boys & Girls Club in Bridgeport on Thursday. "I just talked with him coming in here, and he feels great. His back feels great. He is going to get to spring training early. He's going to be there by the first of February. All of this is a great sign. He will put himself in a position to have a great year. We need Moncada (to play well).”
Moncada understands what's at stake for him.
“I am most motivated because I am healthy,” he said. “That's the only thing I need. I know if I am healthy, I know I can do a lot of good things on the field. I am excited right now to get to spring training. I am looking forward to what we want to accomplish. That is what motivates me now.”
Another motivating factor for Moncada is making the most of his time with the White Sox, as he knows it could be winding down.
“I would love to stay with the White Sox if they want me here,” Moncada said of his future beyond 2024. “I don't know for sure, but I am grateful to the White Sox for the opportunity they have given me. Since they traded for me from the Red Sox, they have treated me very well. I want to stay here. I feel I have made a connection with the fan base here.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.