Yoán Moncada has signed a one-year, $5 million contract with

the Los Angeles Angels, pending a physical. This means the Kansas City Royals will not have the opportunity to add him to their roster. The 29-year-old infielder, formerly with the Chicago White Sox, struggled with injuries in recent seasons, playing only 12 games in the 2024 season.

The Royals currently have Maikel Garcia as their primary third baseman, with Nick Loftin serving as a potential backup. Garcia, who turns 25 in March, has shown promise with his defensive skills and offensive potential. Loftin, slightly older at 26, provides additional depth at the position. Both players bat and throw right-handed and have similar physical attributes, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds.

Moncada, once considered one of baseball’s top prospects, has had an inconsistent career. After a breakout season in 2019, where he hit .315 with 25 home runs, injuries and struggles at the plate have prevented him from maintaining that level of production. In recent years, his offensive numbers have declined, and he has spent significant time on the injured list. His inability to stay healthy likely played a role in teams hesitating to sign him to a long-term deal.

For the Royals, passing on Moncada makes sense given their current roster. While he has experience and potential, his injury history raises concerns. Kansas City appears confident in Garcia’s development and Loftin’s ability to contribute if needed. Instead of signing Moncada, the Royals might focus on developing their younger talent and potentially looking at other free-agent options if needed.

The Angels, meanwhile, are taking a low-risk gamble on Moncada. If he can stay healthy and regain his previous form, he could be a valuable asset for them. Given his defensive versatility and switch-hitting ability, he may fit well into their lineup. For $5 million, the Angels are hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with Moncada, much like teams have done with other injury-prone players in the past.

Ultimately, the Royals’ decision to avoid signing Moncada seems reasonable. They are prioritizing long-term development over short-term fixes. If Garcia and Loftin can establish themselves as reliable options at third base, Kansas City will have made the right call in focusing on internal growth rather than signing a player with injury concerns. The 2025 season will reveal whether Moncada can bounce back with the Angels or if his best years are behind him.