Is Yoán Moncada the Perfect Chicago Cubs Fit as an Insurance Policy and Upside Play at Third Base?

Roughly a year ago, the Chicago Cubs were without a few things: A first baseman. A third baseman. A star. (Cash! Jobs! Hope! Wait.) Coming into this winter, we thought two out of the three had been settled. The emergence of Michael Busch and the (re-)addition of Isaac Paredes appeared to settle the corners for at least the next handful of years, even if the star had to wait. 

Now, though, the Cubs have a star. Alas, it came at the expense of some of that corner infield stability that they were able to finally realize, with Paredes now a member of the Houston Astros. I doubt you’ll find anyone with a grievance to air about it. In fact, I imagine most are downright chuffed at surrendering that third-base stability in the name of a Kyle Tucker addition. Regardless of the excitement there, however, the reality is that the Cubs now must return to the drawing board and fill their third-base vacancy anew. 

The broad assumption is that the job will eventually land with top prospect Matt Shaw. The Tucker trade—specifically, the subtraction of Paredes—appears to have made a Nico Hoerner trade less likely. This leaves just one infield spot available for Shaw’s impending breakthrough. He appeared at the spot more than 60 times in 2024, likely due to the Cubs having an eye on that very scenario playing out. It’s the most likely scenario, regardless of what the rest of the winter looks like.

Contingencies are important, though. While Shaw will likely get the bulk of the opportunity to run out as the team’s Opening Day third sacker, there remains a possibility that the team examines a shorter-term option on the trade front or via free agency in case they’d like Shaw to get a touch more seasoning in Iowa to start the year. Neither market offers an abundance of enticing options, at least outside of an unrealistic Alex Bregman pursuit. But given that the team isn’t necessarily looking for someone to hold down the fort beyond 2025, there’s an old friend from across town who could maybe, perhaps do the job: Yoán Moncada. 

It wasn’t so long ago that Moncada was one of the game’s most intriguing prospects. Though we haven’t seen him at his best since 2019, it stands to reason that the former Boston Red Sox signee out of Cuba represents an intriguing stopgap at the position. 

Moncada’s upside has always been tantalizing. It’s why he was a centerpiece of the Chris Sale trade back in 2016. His 2019 season (wherein he finished with a .367 OBP, .233 ISO, and 139 wRC+) lends credence to such intrigue. While he was still an above-average hitter as recently as 2021, the power never really manifested that way again. Nevertheless, there’s still an approach there, as Moncada has cut his whiff rate and maintained a steady on-base rate in the subsequent years. 

In a Cub-specific context, the switch-hitting Moncada could provide value against right-handed pitching in particular. His career wRC+ against righties sits at 110, with an ISO of .180 and a walk rate at an even 10.0%. He’s made hard contact at a rate eight percent higher than against lefties (38.2 percent). Last year’s Cubs third basemen ISO’d .135 (25th), walked just 6.5 percent of the time (29th), and made hard contact at a 28.1 percent clip against right-handed pitching.

Nor is it as if Moncada’s unplayable against southpaws. The strikeout, walk, and related on-base figures are all pretty similar. Ultimately, you’re sacrificing some power, but not much else. It’s a skill set that wouldn’t at all be out of place in the Cubs’ lineup. It could be an asset, even.

That’s also to say nothing of his defense. Moncada has long been a solid defender, posting a Fielding Run Value of 6 and Outs Above Average of 8 for his career at third base. His worst full season in either metric came in at -1 (both in 2023), indicating that you’re getting at least average defense at the spot. Given how long the Cubs ran Christopher Morel out at third base last year, one imagines that the stability he provides on that side of the ball would be a welcome one for as long as he’s needed. 

Of course, you’d have to be foolish to throw out the ‘stability’ word in relation to Moncada, given how the health aspect of his game has gone in recent years. FOX Sports notes 19 different injuries since the start of the 2018 season. While not all required a trip to the Injured List, his game totals since 2021 read 144, 104, 92, and 12. That, my friends, is a significant caveat to attach to an argument in favor of signing anyone. If your goal is stability—even (or especially) as a contingency—it wouldn’t be prudent to rely too much on Moncada's ability to stay on the field, let alone perform at a level that would exceed that of Shaw while the latter makes his adjustment to the big-league level.

I do, though, think that the right deal would make Moncada a good fit as a member of the 2025 Chicago Cubs. A one-year pact with a motivated player who could provide steady, solid play at a position of need isn’t an unwise investment. A risk? Yes. An unfounded one? Not even a little bit. It's slightly, pleasingly reminiscent of the gamble the team took on Cody Bellinger two winters ago.

You’re not moving Michael Busch. Gage Workman isn’t getting a starting run. Shaw is the option at this point. And while it’s very likely that he’s on the cusp of breaking through to the top level, you can’t punt any alternative routes in favor of that sole solution. This is a 29-year-old player likely looking to rebuild some value, in hopes of getting a multi-year deal next winter. If you’re looking to give some breathing room to Shaw, Moncada represents just that—plus some upside.