Mar 20, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Yoan Moncada (10) during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch. Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Yoan Moncada, widely considered the top prospect in baseball, was called up by the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.
One day after dealing third baseman Todd Frazier to the New York Yankees as part of an ongoing purge of big-league assets, the White Sox shifted gears on their rebuild and plan to put Moncada and other top prospects in a burgeoning farm system on the field in Chicago.
“We feel he is ready for that next challenge that comes at the big-league level,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said.
Moncada, a switch-hitter originally signed by the Boston Red Sox in a deal that included a $31.5 million signing bonus, played primarily second base in the minor leagues.
Moncada, a Cuban-born 21-year-old, was recalled Wednesday along with right-handed Brad Goldberg.
Moncada, 21, hit .285 with three triples, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, 57 runs and 17 stolen bases in 79 Triple-A games entering Tuesday.
He debuted in the big leagues last September with the Red Sox and was a key piece, along with right-hander Michael Kopech, in the trade that sent All-Star Chris Sale to Boston.
The White Sox have been actively unloading top players for top prospects.
In addition to Sale, Hahn moved left-handed starter Jose Quintana (Cubs), center fielder Adam Eaton (Nationals), Frazier and closer David Robertson (Yankees) as part of a concerted effort to rebuild with a young core.
Goldberg, 27, had a 2.58 ERA in 28 appearances at Triple-A.
