White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu could play in same infield as highly touted prospect. This would be a reunion for both Cuban players.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu could be reunited with a former teammate next season in Yoan Moncada. Abreu and Moncada played together in Cuba during the 2012 season. The 21-year-old number one prospect according to mlbpipeline.com isn’t a lock join the White Sox out of spring training next season, but if he does join the team he could play in the same infield as Abreu.
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According to Scott Merkin of whitesox.com, Abreu is excited to possibly reunite with his former Cuban teamamte. Abreu issued a statement shortly after the White Sox traded Chris Sale to the Red Sox in exchange for Moncada and three other prospects.
Abreu stated he was very happy with the acquisition of Moncada by the White Sox in a statement. The 29-year-old slugger stated he was proud because he was Moncada’s captain with Cienfeguos in Cuba when they played in 2012.
Although Abreu could be traded this offseason, if he isn’t could he perhaps be a mentor for Moncada next season? Moncada will be playing in his second organization, and has a lot of hype surrounding him. However, he didn’t do well in his first stint in the majors this past season. In eight games with the Red Sox, Moncada hit .211 with 12 strikeouts and just one walk.
Moncada has been touted as a five-tool prospect but will need to work on plate discipline during spring training next season. If Moncada does make the team out of spring training, he can look to his former captain in Cuba for guidance. The 2017 White Sox will be a relatively young team, and will need a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Although Abreu isn’t very fluent in English, he could be a mentor for the younger Spanish speaking players.
"“Moncada is a five-tool player,” Abreu said. “He really has everything needed to succeed, and I know that with the proper guidance of veteran players and coaches with experience, he can become an All-Star-caliber player."
The White Sox don’t have to rush Moncada to the majors next season, but he could force his way onto the team if he excels either in spring training or with Triple A Charlotte. Despite his struggles with the Red Sox in eight games, Moncada still has the talent to be a difference maker for the White Sox.
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Abreu could help Moncada realize his potential next season if they’re both playing with the White Sox. This will depend on the White Sox not trading Abreu this offseason and Moncada joining the team in 2017. Abreu and Moncada could form a special relationship with the White Sox, something they both have experience with from playing together in Cuba.