The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox were believed to be the top suitors for Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada. However, the Dodgers' involvement is getting a bit hazy.
According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, a source close to the situation "insisted the Dodgers have serious reservations" about Moncada because of his high price tag. The 19-year-old prospect is expected to land a $30 million to $40 million contract, which would be a record for an international amateur player.
"While the signing of Moncada would land a potential superstar, it would also sideline the franchise from future big-ticket signings for two years, in addition to costing $60 million to $80 million cash, all for just one very talented -- but unproven - player," writes Gurnick.
The Dodgers would have to pay a 100% tax on Moncada's contract because they've exceeded their international spending pool for the 2014-2015 signing period, which is why it could reach $80 million.
General manager Farhan Zaidi also avoided answering questions surrounding Moncada during a Twitter chat with fans on Friday, just three weeks after he told MLB Network Radio, "To the extent that our evaluation of [Moncada] matches or exceeds where the market goes, we'll definitely be players for him." Additionally, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Don Mattingly recently watched Moncada work out in Florida.
However, this latest news is telling because the Dodgers' ownership specifically cleaned house in the front office and brought in Friedman and Zaidi to sign cost-effective players. Los Angeles had the highest payroll in 2013 and the second highest in 2014 with nothing to show for it. They also have the highest payroll heading into the 2015 season.
Ownership likely figured the two executives, who previously worked with small market clubs in Oakland and Tampa Bay, would minimize handing out significant long-term investments and be able to bring their analytical skills while having the liberty to spend some extra cash if needed.
Although Moncada is likely to be a reliable investment, it kind of contradicts why ownership opted to change the philosophy of their front office.