GLENDALE, Ariz. _ Yoan Moncada had a breakout season in 2019.
And the White Sox reportedly have rewarded the 24-year-old third baseman with a five-year, $70 million contract extension.
The deal, reported Thursday by Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, includes a club option that could bring the total value to $90 million. According to the report, the contract potentially would buy out two free-agent years. And if the option is exercised, Moncada would be a free agent after his age-30 season.
The Sox did not make an announcement regarding the move Thursday.
Moncada had career highs in home runs (25) and RBIs (79) and finished third in the American League with a career-best .315 average in 2019. He improved his average 80 points from 2018, the fourth-best jump in franchise history, while cutting his strikeouts from 217 to 154.
When asked last week about the possibility of a contract extension, Moncada said through an interpreter: "Honestly, I don't pay too much attention to that. My focus is just on the game, prepare myself to be in the best position that I can be for the season and just work hard. That's my goal and where my focus is."
Later during the Feb. 25 interview with reporters, Moncada said he was comfortable with the Sox, adding: "I actually see myself on this team for a very long time."
The Sox have locked up several members of their young core recently.
Last spring they reached a six-year, $43 million deal with left fielder Eloy Jimenez. They came to terms with center fielder Luis Robert on a six-year, $50 million deal Jan. 2. And they announced a five-year, $16 million extension with reliever Aaron Bummer on Feb. 22.
