Bids for Cuban prodigy Moncada above $20M

TAMPA — Multiple bids are in on Cuban infield prodigy Yoan Moncada, and bidding is believed past $20 million, perhaps significantly so.

The Yankees, Red Sox and Padres are believed among teams in talks, with even the Dodgers and others seen as less likely at the moment. Moncada’s agent David Hastings said a few days ago they are targeting the end of February to have a deal so Moncada can get to spring camp not far behind others, and that seems realistic as negotiations are heating up now.

Earlier reports suggested $50 million as possible for Moncada, and that may be a goal. But that would be an extraordinary price considering Moncada is only 19, and could be two or so years away from the big leagues.

He is probably worth such a lofty price, anyway, but the other big factor is that the signing team will have to pay a 100 percent tax, or something very close to that. So $50 million would really mean $100 million. That would be an extraordinary fee for a teenager considering established big leaguer Pabol Sandoval got $95 million.

Scouts see Moncada as a potential 20-homer guy who can play at least second base, and perhaps third and the outfield. Positionally, he would seem to fit the Yankees and Padres more than the Red Sox since Boston has Dustin Pedroia contracted for seven more years, Pablo Sandoval for five, and more outfielders than it can currently use.

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