The Yankees have conducted a private workout with Cuban infielder phenom Yoan Moncada, according to Baseball America.
The 19-year-old switch-hitter is said to possess an upside on offense that would instantly make him the Yankees’ top prospect, and he projects to a future at second or third base. Baseball America cited several industry sources saying the Yankees are one of the front-runners to sign Moncada.
Moncada has established residency in Guatemala to become a free agent, though he will not be allowed to sign until he receives the proper paperwork from the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The Yankees have a lot of incentive to try to wrap up Moncada prior to June 15. Their spending spree this past July 2 — which brought them approximately 10 of the top 30 international prospects for last year — put them in the maximum penalty range, meaning they are banned from signings over $300,000 for the next two signing periods.
The report said the Giants also held a private workout with Moncada, listed unofficially at 6 feet 2 and 200 pounds. The Red Sox (who won last year’s Rusney Castillo sweepstakes) are considered among the favorites as well.