Dodgers News: Zaidi Says Formal Offer Was Never Made To Moncada

After the marquee MLB free agents signed their respective new contracts during the offseason, plenty of focus was shifted to international free agents, namely Cuban prospects and in particular Yoan Moncada.

The switch-hitting 19-year-old infielder was a primary target of interest for several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. Falling in line with his desire to sign by the end of February, it was reported Monday he agreed to a deal with the Red Sox.

The Dodgers’ interest in Moncada ranged from them once being the perceived favorite to sign him, to having reservations over the cost, to then mulling over potentially offering a $40 million signing bonus.

Moncada’s agent David Hastings stated on Feb. 18 offers were rolling in for his client, but according to Pedro Moura of the OC Register, Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi said his club was not among those teams:

The Dodgers did not make Yoan Moncada a formal offer, GM Farhan Zaidi said. Only general terms.

— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) February 23, 2015

Had the Dodgers signed the talented infielder, they would have paid a 100 percent penalty tax and been limited in the international free agent market over the next two signing periods. While they may have lost out on one of Cuba’s best talents, Zaidi pointed to other players who will soon be available:

Farhan Zaidi on not signing Yoan Moncada: "There's a lot of talent coming July 2. The calculus of that was a big part of our equation."

— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) February 23, 2015

Along with Moncada, the Dodgers have been linked to infielders Andy Ibanez and Hector Olivera, and young right-hander Yadier Alvarez.

Despite being 29 years old, Olivera could be an attractive alternative for the Dodgers as he is not bound by the same international signing guidelines as Moncada due to his older age and having played at least five seasons in a Cuban professional league.

With Moncada joining the Red Sox, he becomes the latest free agent whom the Dodgers have been tied to only for it later to be revealed the team never submitted a offer or had serious interest in.

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