Moncada, Top Red Sox Prospect, Promoted to Sea Dogs
June 20, 2016 - Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Portland, Maine - The Boston Red Sox have promoted infielder Yoan Moncada and right-handed pitcher Ben Taylor to the Portland Sea Dogs from High-A Salem. Left-handed pitcher Jalen Beeks is also expected to be promoted to Portland from Salem following the Carolina League All-Star Break (June 20-22).
Moncada, 21, was signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent on March 12, 2015. In 61 games with High-A Salem this season, Moncada hit .307/.427/.496 with 25 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs, 34 RBI, 57 runs, 36 stolen bases, and 45 walks.
At the time of his promotion, Moncada led the Carolina League in stolen bases and was tied for the league lead in doubles and on-base percentage. He also ranked second in the league in batting average, extra-base hits (34), runs scored (57), and walks. Moncada was named the Carolina League Player of the Week for the week of May 8, 2016.
Among all Minor League Baseball players, Moncada has the most stolen bases and also ranks among leaders in runs (2nd), doubles (T-4th), walks (8th), and on-base percentage (T-8th).
Moncada is ranked by Baseball America as the No. 1 prospect in the Red Sox organization and the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball, as well as being the Fastest Baserunner, Best Athlete, and possessing the Best Infield Arm in the Red Sox minor league system.
In his first season in professional baseball in 2015, Moncada played 81 games at Low-A Greenville and hit .278/.380/.438 with 19 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs, 38 RBI, 61 runs, and led the organization with 49 stolen bases in 52 attempts.
After the 2015 season, Moncada was named the Red Sox Minor League Base Runner of the Year and a South Atlantic League postseason All-Star, as well as the Greg Montalbano Minor League Player of the Year award from the Boston chapter of the BBWAA.
Taylor, 23, was selected by the Red Sox in the 7th round of the 2015 June Draft out of the University of Southern Alabama. In 15 appearances (three starts) with Salem this season, Taylor is 0-2 with three saves and a 2.60 ERA (13 ER/45.0 IP). He struck out 56 batters while walking just 10 and holding opponents to a .213 batting average against him.
Among Carolina League relievers, Taylor has the lowest baserunners/9.0 IP ratio (7.59), 2nd lowest opponents' average (.162), 2nd highest SO/9.0 IP ratio (12.37), and 3rd lowest BB/9.0 IP ratio (1.97).
Beeks, 22, was 4-4 with a 3.07 ERA in 13 starts for Salem. He was selected by the Red Sox in the 12th round of the 2014 June Draft.
Tickets for the Sea Dogs' homestand beginning June 21st, as well as all remaining home games can be purchased at the Sea Dogs' ticket office at Hadlock Field, by phone at (207) 879-9500, or online at seadogs.com.
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