Just days into the competitive season, Cuban baseball player Yoan Moncada has opted out of the Puerto Rican Winter League after sustaining a foul ball injury to his right foot during Sunday's game with the Senadores de San Juan.
According to journalist Francys Romero on Facebook, the decision was made in collaboration with Moncada's agency, prioritizing his health and the potential to sign with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team in the upcoming days. This move aims to eliminate unnecessary risks and ensure the player from Cienfuegos is in prime condition for the start of the next season, where he could play a pivotal role if he secures a new MLB contract.
As noted in a recent report, the third baseman, who recently ended his stint with the Chicago White Sox, is attracting interest in the free agent market, with approximately five teams showing interest in his talents.
In the previous season, Moncada was sidelined for a significant portion of the time after suffering a strain in his adductor on April 9, followed by a series of setbacks during his recovery. This included a brief stint in the minors, which was cut short in July due to escalating pain related to his muscular issue.
The third baseman has frequently been plagued by injuries over the past four seasons, appearing in fewer than 220 games. As a result, the White Sox did not exercise their $25 million team option, leaving Moncada currently without a franchise.
Yoan Moncada's MLB Future and Injury Concerns
Why did Yoan Moncada leave the Puerto Rican Winter League?
Moncada withdrew from the league to prioritize his health and increase his chances of signing with an MLB team, after suffering a foul ball injury to his right foot.
What teams are interested in signing Yoan Moncada?
Approximately five MLB teams have shown interest in signing Moncada as he enters the free agent market.
Why didn't the Chicago White Sox exercise their option on Moncada?
The White Sox decided not to exercise their $25 million team option due to Moncada's frequent injuries over the past four seasons, which limited his game appearances to fewer than 220 games.