Earlier this week, the Chicago White Sox declined their $25 million team option on third baseman Yoan Moncada, opting to pay him a $5 million buyout instead. It’s a sad end to the Moncada era in Chicago, as he was once baseball’s No. 1 prospect. He was supposed to lead the White Sox to new heights, but instead spent much of the last three years injured and underperforming.

Any team that brings in Moncada hopes he can return to the form that made him baseball’s top prospect, but there are real questions about his attitude, effort and ability to stay healthy.

As for the possibility of the Seattle Mariners appealing to Moncada, I can really make the case for all sides, so let’s look at it here.

1) Moncada is still only 29 years old. Even though he will play much of next year at age 30, he is still young enough to be in his athletic prime. The Mariners are looking to make the playoffs next year and hope to win the World Series. They can’t afford to have too many guys 35 and up who don’t have much left, but they also can’t afford too many guys 25 and under trying to “figure it out”.

2) He has a history. It’s been a while, sure, but Moncada hit 25 homers in 2019. He also posted a .263 average with a .375 on-base percentage in 2021. He hit .260 in 2023.

3) He’s a switch hitter. For a Mariners team that is constantly looking for platoon advantages and late-game advantages, Moncada’s ability to change strikes could come in handy. He is also versatile and has the ability to play second and third base.

4) This will definitely be a short-term deal. Moncada has just had a third consecutive year. His representation knows it. They will look for an opportunity for him to rebuild his value. A one-year, prove-it deal is absolutely going to happen and for a Mariners team that doesn’t want to spend a lot of money and doesn’t want to be married to a lot of money long term, it’ll be something it can bear. One year and $3 million with built-in incentives seems fair and within the M price range.

5) He will be in his contract year. If the M’s offer him a one-year contract, he will look to do his best. You never know what really motivates players, but if the idea of ​​a better contract in 2026 motivates Moncada, the M’s will be getting the best version of him, at least from an effort standpoint.

1) Health. Moncada has only played 12 games in 2024 after playing 92 in 2023 and 104 in 2022. He was a durable player from 2018 to 2021, but hasn’t been since. The Mariners have forced resources on themselves in free agency and they can’t afford to spend them on guys who have proven to be unreliable.

2) Effort. Moncada plays the game nonchalantly. He can be very gentle, but sometimes it seems like he doesn’t care. There are certainly White Sox fans who think Moncada isn’t putting in a great effort, and for an M team that will enter 2025 with a lot of pressure, they can’t have guys who aren’t all on board from the start. first day. .

3) Role. The best role for Yoan Moncada with the Seattle Mariners is as a bench player or at least a part-time player. They can’t count on him to play 162 games because he hasn’t shown he can do it in years, and he may not be good enough to be a starter anymore. However, if he wants to rebuild his value for a future contract, he will want an opportunity that gives him more guaranteed playing time.

4) Approximate stage. If Moncada wants to rebuild his value, will he want to do it in the most difficult environment to face?

Moncada comes with a lot of risk, but he also has a lot of upside given his prior prospect status. If he’s willing to take a part-time position for a cheap price, I’d be intrigued. Furthermore, if the M.S. bring in a veteran lead (Justin Turner, anyone?) who can connect with him, I’d be more intrigued. Long story short, I’m interested and the talent is tempting, but there are too many “ifs” for me to fully buy into it.

If we get to February and he still hasn’t signed, I’d like to offer a minor league contract.

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