The Los Angeles Angels were missing one of their key players on Tuesday night, and there was a pretty valid reason for it.
Yoan Moncada was on the MLB restricted list due to taking the U.S. citizenship test.
Moncada, 30, hails from Cuba and originally signed with the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent, landing a signing bonus over $31 million.
Back when he was 19, Moncada was regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball, known for being a switch hitter. He debuted in the MLB at 21, roughly a year and a half after signing with the Red Sox.
However, things took a turn when, after the 2016 season, the Sox traded him, along with a couple of others, to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for some notable players.
Moncada had highs and lows during his time with the White Sox, a rollercoaster similar to that of the organization itself. They clinched the AL Central title in 2021, but just three years later, they faced a historically tough season, setting a record for losses (Moncada was limited to just 12 games last season).
Despite these ups and downs, Moncada has kept his Cuban citizenship and played for Team Cuba during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, posting impressive stats with a .435 batting average.
Throughout his career, Moncada has recorded a batting average of .252 with a .756 OPS. This season, his performance has dipped to .221 with a slugging percentage of .436.
As for his participation in the Angels’ next game against the Tampa Bay Rays, it remains uncertain if he’ll be ready, but he is set to travel to Detroit for a series against the Tigers this weekend.
