Report: Moncada latest young standout to sign extension with White Sox
Late last month, the White Sox made an announcement that should have been expected.
They signed another key young player to a contract extension that was a good deal for both sides.
The name - Aaron Bummer - was a bit of a surprise, but the Sox believed the left-handed relief pitcher was worth the five-year, $16 million investment.
"He's a tremendous pitcher with tremendous stuff," manager Rick Renteria said of Bummer, who had a 2.13 ERA and 27 holds last season. "When you're talking about contracts, it's nice to get it out of the way and concentrate on doing what you've got to do. At times, and especially young guys, it might become a distraction, but you're glad you can get it out of the way and go ahead and concentrate on the game."
The Sox extended Chris Sale, Adam Eaton, Jose Quintana, Tim Anderson and Eloy Jimenez in past spring trainings, and Bummer was the latest to join the list.
"Every organization seeks to acquire and develop and retain championship level talent, and we are very pleased to have been able to accomplish that with another piece," White Sox assistant general manager Jeremy Haber said on Feb. 22.
After discussing the Bummer deal, Haber was asked about the next target.
"It's a natural time for that type of speculation," he said. "Our track record in terms of the organizational approach to these is pretty clear at this point. But today we are just talking about the ones we've been able to get done."
The Sox weren't officially talking on Thursday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., but they reportedly signed Yoan Moncada to a five-year, $70 million extension. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal was first with the news.
The new deal also includes a $25 million club option for 2026, with a $5 million buyout.
Moncada is clearly a key piece for the White Sox moving forward.
After striking out 217 times in 2018 - the second-highest total in major-league history - Moncada worked on his offensive approach during the off-season, moved from second base to third and broke out big last year.
The 24-year-old switch-hitter finished third in the American League with a .315 batting average, an 80-point improvement from the season before.
Moncada was also one of just three players in baseball to hit .300 or better with 30-plus doubles, 25-plus home runs, 75-plus RBI and 10-plus stolen bases.
Three days after Bummer signed his contract extension, Moncada was asked if he'd like a new deal.
"What motivates me is just playing baseball," he said through a translator. "That's what gives me real joy. Obviously, money is a big part of our career but that's not my concern right now. I just want to play baseball and enjoy the game and do great things.
"I feel comfortable on this team. I have been feeling comfortable on this team since the moment I came here. I actually see myself on this team for a very long time."