Editorials

Dodgers Take Calculated Risk In Not Signing Yoan Moncada

Yoan Moncada

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So, Now What?

Let’s not pretend that Moncada was the only player on the market. The Dodgers have also been linked to 29-year-old infielder Hector Olivera, whom the Dodgers could sign without suffering any type of penalty.

Sure, he’s older and has some health issues, and he isn’t even cleared to sign yet, but he’s done well in front of Dodgers’ brass in showcases and is nearly major league ready.

Another Cuban infielder, Andy Ibanez, could intrigue the Dodgers, though he’s 21 and would fall under the same signing restrictions as Moncada. He’s not flashy, but has a good bat and plays a solid second base.

The player that intrigues me the most won’t be able to sign until July 2. While Moncada and Olivera were getting most of the attention, 18-year-old pitcher Yadier Alvarez wowed scouts with his velocity, loose delivery and projectable frame and the Dodgers are certainly interested.

The right-hander touched 98 during a workout, showed a potential plus slider and a solid changeup earlier this month. However, Ben Badler of Baseball America recently reported that he would not be eligible to sign during the current period.

So, instead of signing Moncada now and missing out on prospects in the next two signing periods, the Dodgers could take Olivera when he becomes eligible to sign, then sign their July 2 bonus baby and even make a run at Alvarez. They could also consider other international prospects who aren’t even on the market yet.

While the decision to not sign Moncada could come back to haunt the Dodgers, there are still plenty of opportunities for the club to add impact talent.

What do you think? Did the Dodgers make a mistake by not signing Moncada? Should they go all out during the next signing period? Let me know on Twitter @JaredJMassey and in the comments section below.

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2 Comments

  1. Personally I think Moncada at $63 mil will turn out to be a great deal for boston similar to the Puig deal for the dodgers, and think they blew it by not bringing this guy to LA and pairing him with Seager. But I guess we’ll have to wait a long time to see who they bring in instead of Moncada, and how they turn out.

  2. Olivera doesn’t really interest me, to bring in a guy with no major league experience and an injury history for his decline years does not sound very exciting.

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