Several weeks after signing Yoan Moncada the Red Sox finally made the deal official today by holding a press conference introducing the 19-year-old Cuban prospect.
Boston’s total investment in Moncada is $63 million, with $31.5 million going to Moncada and $31.5 million being tacked on as a tax/penalty.
As for his timetable to reach the majors, general manager Ben Cherington said the Red Sox will send Moncada to low Single-A to begin the season and he’ll be used primarily as a second baseman there. He also has experience at shortstop, third base, and in the outfield.
He could move quickly through the minors, of course, but in general Dustin Pedroia doesn’t need to be looking over his shoulder anytime soon. Moncada is an elite prospect--Baseball America put him in their revised top 10 after the signing--but he’s still just 19 years old.