February 23 will mark the seventh anniversary of Fidel Castro’s final day as president of Cuba.
In the United States, it’s Yoan Moncada Day.
The free agent infielder will sign with a major-league team sometime in the next 12 days, his representative told ESPN.com. From Jerry Crasnick’s piece:
Moncada expects to audition individually for about a dozen teams, according to David Hastings, the Florida-based certified public accountant who is handling the infielder’s negotiations with clubs. Several teams have requested what Hastings called “look-backs” — or second, follow-up workouts.
The Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Cubs, Rangers, Padres, Giants, Tigers, Braves, Brewers, Rays and Angels are among the teams that have scouted Moncada or invited him in for private workouts, according to sources and media reports.
Potential suitors have auditioned Moncada at second base, third base and shortstop, while a few clubs have also looked at him in the outfield.
In a recent Spanish-language interview with MLB.com, Moncada said he hopes to reach the majors quickly.
“My goal is to sign with a team soon, start training with them and make it to the major leagues as fast as I can with whichever team that might be,” he said. “I know I’m going to do the best I can for as long as I can in this sport.”
Hastings said he already has one concrete offer in hand but declined to identify the club.
Moncada was declared a free agent by MLB on February 3. General manager Farhan Zaidi confirmed the Dodgers’ interest in Moncada in January.