Could the Blue Jays be players in the Yoan Moncada sweepstakes?

According to Ben Badler, “Every team flying in to Guatemala to see a showcase for Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada.”

Incase you have no idea who Badler is talking about, he is a 19 year old Cuban phenom (read more). He’s a switch hitter with tremendous bat speed. He out ran Rusney Castillo in a recent all-star baserunning competition. His power potential could be on par with another high profile Cuban International Free Agent, Yasmany Tomas.

What does this mean for to the Toronto Blue Jays? Well for starters his natural position is on the left side of the diamond at shortstop, but he has experience at third base as well. That means that he could fill the Blue Jays need for a second baseman by having either Brett Lawrie or Jose Reyes transition to that position.

Why the Blue Jays won’t land Yoan Moncada? According to Jeff Passan,

Yoan is only 19 years old and has not played in Cuba for more than 5 years; therfore, he is considered to be an International Free-Agent. Agian, according to Jeff Passan,

Because the expected price tag is expected to be so high, which ever team signs Yoan will be subjected to a 100% tax on his contract. On top of this 100% tax, which ever team get Yoan will all but forfeit their ability to sign International Free-Agents for the next two seasons.

This is where it get interesting. The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angles Angels all went over their allocated 2014 pool and “are in the maximum penalty range for the 2014-2015 signing period“, which means they will be unable to sign him if he becomes a Fee-Agent after June 15, 2015.

If the Blue Jays are interested in acquiring a young impact player than this is their guy. The tweet below perfectly sums up how I feel about this player and why I will be sad when he is signed by San Francisco or the LA Dodgers.