According to Francys Romero on Twitter/X, the Chicago Cubs extended a one-year, $3 million offer to Yoán Moncada before he ultimately chose to sign with the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Moncada’s decision to accept the Angels’ reported $5 million deal wasn’t surprising, but the Cubs’ offer comes as rumors swirl about their pursuit of free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Earlier this offseason, Bregman rejected a six-year, $156 million contract from the Houston Astros.
NorthSideBaseball.com reported Tuesday that the Cubs put forward an unconventional four-year deal for Bregman, worth around $30 million per season and featuring multiple opt-out clauses.
Signing Moncada wouldn’t have necessarily ruled out a push for Bregman, but it would have complicated the Cubs’ infield depth chart. With Michael Busch at first base, Nico Hoerner at second, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, and rookie Matt Shaw lined up for third, Moncada’s presence could have created an overcrowded situation.
Once a highly touted prospect in the Red Sox system, Moncada was traded to the White Sox in the blockbuster Chris Sale deal. Now 29, he is seeking a resurgence in 2025 after being limited to just 40 at-bats last season due to injuries. Over his nine-year MLB career with Boston and Chicago, Moncada has hit 93 home runs, driven in 339 RBIs, and posted a.254/.331/.424 slash line.
After declining his $25 million team option for 2025, the White Sox instead opted for a $5 million buyout. In a September interview with MLB.com, Moncada acknowledged that injuries had significantly impacted his career in Chicago.
Now in Anaheim, Moncada will reunite with former White Sox teammate Tim Anderson, who recently signed a minor league contract with the Angels. He also has the chance to compete with veteran Anthony Rendon for the starting third base job.
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