5. Top prospect Yoan Moncada makes Chicago White Sox debut
Moncada is tearing up the minor leagues. MLB’s top prospect has absolutely nothing more to prove in the International League.
#WhiteSox prospect Yoan Moncada sends that one opposite field a long way for his 5th Triple-A HR @wcnc @KnightsBaseball @MiLB pic.twitter.com/PZLXvFcUr6
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) May 2, 2017
Now, if the White Sox were struggling, there might be some logic in remaining patient. But Chicago is not struggling. Quite the opposite, in fact. Through May 4, the South Siders are 15-12, tied for first in the American League Central.
Chicago general manager Rick Hahn has made it clear that Moncada still has some developing to do. That would point to him being kept in the minors for a while.
But as surprisingly good as the White Sox have been, they’ve gotten next to no offensive production from their second basemen. Chicago’s keystones have combined for a .198/.300/.281 slash line with zero home runs, four RBI, and three steals. There’s certainly plenty of room for improvement there.
On a bad team, sure, let Moncada develop. But on a team that’s actually winning, you can’t let such a hot prospect sit in Triple-A while your Major Leaguers at his position are doing virtually nothing. It’s only a matter of time before manager Rick Renteria and the Chicago front office sees that.