White Sox: Yoan Moncada named team’s most indispensable player
Is there one player on the 2018 team that the White Sox must have to win? According to a recent piece on MLB.com, there certainly is.
The answer to the question is none other than the White Sox young second baseman, Yoan Moncada.
He joins the likes of All-Stars like Mike Trout, Jose Altuve, Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado. Nearly every player on this list is an All-Star, with the exception of Moncada and the players from the Brewers, Marlins, and the A’s. Several have MVP, Gold Glove, and/or Silver Slugger awards, too.
Anthony Castrovince with MLB.com published a piece about the most indispensable players on each team. He focused on one player from all 30 teams and his choice for the White Sox makes sense.
Looking to a youngster
While some might argue that Avisail Garcia, Jose Abreu, or Matt Davidson might be better choices because of their Veteran standings, Moncada is already providing something that they can’t: hope for the future.
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Castrovince said about Moncada:
"“Hate to put too much pressure on the kid entering his first full season in the big leagues, but if Moncada doesn’t begin to break out as anticipated, the Sox’s rebuild plan looks a lot different.”"
Indispensables will not be traded
While Garcia, Abreu, and Davidson have already established themselves as assets to the team, their veteran status might make them trade bait, rather than rebuild hopefuls. Moncada is the opposite. There is no way that Moncada will be traded in the near future. This is what makes him indispensable. Anyone who has a few years of service time and some assets could be on other teams at the trade deadline, making them dispensible.
The young Cuban player has made an impact in Spring Training. His numbers are not outstanding, but that’s to be expected for a 22-year-old with a total of 30 games. What makes Moncada indispensable is his desire to help the team. He’s perfectly happy leading off or batting elsewhere in the lineup. He’s a team player who will do what he can to get the win.
The best of the prospects
While the White Sox have plenty of other prospects, think Michael Kopech and Luis Robert, it’s Moncada who has the ability and the ceiling to become the face of the franchise. And, he’s the closest to being ready for everyday play.
Next: Why James Shields should start on Opening Day
Yes, White Sox fans, it is perfectly acceptable to jump on the Moncada train. It does not look like you will be disappointed. Could the AL Rookie of the Year award be in his future?