Yoán Moncada facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yoán Moncada
Moncada with the Boston Red Sox in 2016
Los Angeles Angels – No. 5
Third baseman
Born: (1995-05-27) May 27, 1995 (age 30) Abreus, Cuba
Bats: Switch Throws: Right
debut
September 2, 2016, for the Boston Red Sox
MLB statistics (through July 12, 2025)
Batting average	.253
Home runs	100
Runs batted in	360
Teams
Boston Red Sox (2016) Chicago White Sox (2017–2024) Los Angeles Angels (2025–present)
Career highlights and awards
All-World Baseball Classic Team (2023)
Medals Men's baseball Representing CUB 18U Baseball World Cup Bronze 2013 Taichung Team

Yoán Manuel Moncada Olivera, born on May 27, 1995, is a professional baseball player from Cuba. He plays as a third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Angels, he played for the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. Yoán started his MLB career with the Red Sox in 2016. He later became one of the first active MLB players to play for the Cuban national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Yoán Moncada's Baseball Journey

Starting in Cuba

Yoán Moncada began his professional baseball career in 2012. He played for a team called Cienfuegos in the Cuban National Series. During his two years there, he showed great skill. He had a batting average of .277 and stole 21 bases.

In June 2014, Moncada left Cuba. Many baseball experts saw him as a very talented young player. They believed he had the potential to be a "five-tool" player. This means he was good at hitting for average, hitting for power, running, throwing, and fielding.

Time with the Boston Red Sox

Playing in the Minor Leagues

Moncada with the Salem Red Sox in 2016

In 2015, Yoán Moncada joined the Boston Red Sox. He started playing in their minor league system. His first professional game was on May 18 with the Greenville Drive.

Throughout 2015 and into 2016, Moncada was considered one of the best young players. Many baseball experts ranked him among the top prospects in all of Major League Baseball.

Making it to the Major Leagues

Yoán Moncada was called up to the major leagues on September 2, 2016. He made his MLB debut against the Oakland Athletics. In his very first time at bat, he earned a walk and then scored a run. The next day, he got his first major league hit. He finished the 2016 season with a .211 batting average.

Playing for the Chicago White Sox

Moncada with the White Sox in 2019

On December 6, 2016, the Red Sox traded Moncada to the Chicago White Sox. He was part of a big trade that involved several players.

Moncada started the 2017 season in the minor leagues with the Charlotte Knights. He was called up to the White Sox on July 19, 2017. He made his White Sox debut that same day.

On July 26, 2017, Moncada hit his first career major league home run. He played 54 games in 2017. He finished the year with a .231 batting average, 8 home runs, and 22 RBIs.

In 2018, Moncada played in 149 games. He hit 17 home runs and had 61 RBIs. He also led MLB in strikeouts that year.

The 2019 season was a great one for Moncada. He achieved career bests in many areas. He had 161 hits, 34 doubles, 25 home runs, and 79 RBIs. His batting average was .315, which was the third best in the American League.

In 2020, Moncada played 52 games. He batted .225 with six home runs. In 2021, he played 144 games. He hit .263 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs.

Moncada started the 2022 season on the injured list. He returned to play on May 9. In 104 games, he batted .212 with 12 home runs. In 2023, he played 92 games. He had a .260 batting average with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.

In April 2024, Moncada had an injury while running. He was out for several months. He returned to play in September. He played 12 games for the White Sox that year. After the 2024 season, the White Sox decided not to keep him. He became a free agent.

Joining the Los Angeles Angels

On February 16, 2025, Yoán Moncada signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He is now playing as a third baseman for them.

Playing for His Country

Yoán Moncada was chosen to play for the Cuban national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He and his teammate, Luis Robert Jr., were the first active MLB players to play for the Cuban national team. In the tournament, Moncada played very well. He had a .435 batting average and led his team with 10 hits.

Musical Interests

In 2021, Yoán Moncada also explored his interest in music. He recorded a song called "Desastre Personal" with artists El Chacal and Lenier.