The most oft-asked question by White Sox fans finally has an answer: Yoan Moncada will make his team debut on Wednesday.
Baseball's top prospect will join the White Sox on Wednesday after the trade of Todd Frazier, David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle to the New York Yankees created roster spots on the 25-man roster. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn confirmed the promotion during the press conference for the trade after the White Sox lost 1-0 to the Dodgers on Tuesday.
"We are bringing him here to continue the development that needs to take place in Chicago," Hahn said. "He still has some work to do. He’s obviously still very young. But we feel that he’s eready for that next challenge that comes at the big league level."
The main player acquired for Chris Sale, Moncada was hitting .282/.377/.447 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 361 plate appearances at Triple-A Charlotte.
"There’s going to be growing pains here," Hahn said. "He’s not a finished product. I don’t suspect any of these players as they make their debut here in the coming months and years, no matter how highly anticipated they may be, there’s still going to be an element of development that’s going to happen in Chicago. The thought is it’s time for Yoan to get that opportunity to take that next step."
Moncada's arrival has been a hot topic since he was acquired last December along with Michael Kopech, outfielder Luis Basabe and pitcher Victor Diaz.
The second baseman starred in spring training and rolled it over into the regular season. He was named the team's minor league player of the month in April and later earned a spot in the Triple-A All-Star Game. But Moncada forfeited his All-Star spot to appear in the All-Star Futures Game last Sunday. It's the second straight year in which Moncada was in the Futures Game.
MLB
"This is a process," Moncada said through an interpreter when asked about being promoted. "I'm just getting ready for when the team decides to make that call. I will be ready for that call. I feel ready."
The White Sox delayed that call until now. Not only had they received good play at the major league level from Yolmer Sanchez, the White Sox also wanted to give Moncada more time to develop. One focus has been on Moncada's strikeout-rate, which still stands at 28 percent as he's whiffed 100 times this season. Moncada also hasn't been as strong at the plate since he returned from a thumb injury in late May. But, he feels like he's been able to shake off some of that rust.
"It's not something where I'm feeling pain in my thumb or something, but you have to regain your rhythm and your confidence," Moncada said.