Chicago White Sox base runner Yoán Moncada sprints around third base before scoring on a single by teammate Luis Robert Jr. at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday, May 13, 2023. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
Last season, on April 2, at Minute Maid Park, Yoán Moncada hit a double into the right-field corner during the second inning against the Houston Astros.
In the sixth inning, the third baseman for the Chicago White Sox doubled once more, this time on a ground ball that just kept fair down the first-base line. Once more using his left hand at bat, the switch-hitter concluded the day with a two-run home drive to left field in the ninth inning.
Moncada capitalized on his All-Tournament Team success for Cuba during the World Baseball Classic, hitting 8-for-18 (.444) with two home runs and four RBIs in the series against the Astros to start the season strong. Then the back problems started, resulting in two trips to the injured list.
“It was painful and stressful during the first half of that season,” Moncada remarked on Thursday at the Bridgeport Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, speaking via an interpreter. “I was unable to take action. I was unable to accomplish what I intended to do to support the team. For me, it was a very trying period.
He missed time due to lower back pain from April 11–May 12 and lower back inflammation from June 14–July 25.
Following his return from the second spell in the minor league, Moncada showed improvement, slashing.280/.323/.430 with two home runs and twelve RBIs in August and.298/.344/.560 with six home runs and twelve RBIs in September.
Moncada remarked, “I felt much better and I felt good once I started getting better and stronger.” “That’s how I feel right now, and that’s why I was able to finish the way that I did.”
With his late-season comeback, the 28-year-old hopes to build on it in 2024.
Pedro Grifol, the manager, stated, “He feels great, the back feels great, he’s motivated.” He’s going to start spring training early, maybe on January 31 or February 1, which is fantastic news and will set him up for a fantastic year. Moncada is essential to us.
It’s fortunate for him that he is driven to finish the season strong.
In 2023, Moncada pounded.260/.305/.425 with 40 RBIs and 11 home homers. Moncada participated in 104 games in 2022 and 92 in 2023 following 144 appearances in 2021.
To “get all that core really strong,” he said, he has been working out in the off-season to improve his legs, back, and abs.
When questioned about his strategy for trying to play as close to 162 games as possible, Moncada responded, “I’m preparing myself to play 202 games this coming season.” “I know it’s overkill, but that’s how I’m getting ready.”
“My goal is to stay well. Every day, I want to be out on the field.
Because he is healthy, Moncada claimed to be enthusiastic and driven.
“If I’m healthy, I know I can do a lot of good things in the field. That’s all I want,” Moncada declared. “I can’t wait to begin working and attending spring training.
“I believe God has something positive in store for me. I hope we get to witness that. My goal is to stay healthy and perform to the best of my abilities on the field.
2019 was Moncada’s best season ever; he set career highs in a number of categories, including RBIs (79), home runs (25) and OPS (.915). In March 2020, he inked a contract extension worth $70 million, including a five-year option worth $25 million and a $5 million buyout held by the Boston Sox.
The reliable defensive third baseman is aware that reporters will quiz him about his future.
If the White Sox want me here, I would love to stay, Moncada remarked. “I’m grateful to the White Sox for the chance they’ve given me since the Red Sox moved me to them (in December 2016). They’ve been taking excellent care of me. I enjoy the city, the organization, and the supporters. I want to remain here, please.