GLENDALE, Ariz. — Left fielder Eloy Jimenez, 23, is signed on for the long term. Center fielder Luis Robert, 22, is too.
So are shortstop Tim Anderson and left-hander Aaron Bummer, both 26.
The White Sox are stockpiling young pieces of their core on their long-term contract list, paying big dollars before they are obligated to for the purpose of keeping the band together.
Who’s next? Third baseman Yoan Moncada? Right-handers Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease?
“We don’t want no odd man out,” Anderson said. “We all want to be in on the same thing.”
Viewing Moncada, 24, as a cornerstone piece at the hot corner, the Sox want to wrap him up, too. Could he be next? They announced Anderson’s $25 million deal three spring trainings ago, Jimenez’ $43 million, six-year contract last spring and Bummer’s $16 million, five-year deal last week.
‘Tis the season.
“If my agent calls me and tells me there is something, then we’ll consider it,” Moncada said through translator Billy Russo.
Moncada changed his agency this year to Movement Management Group. He said he was unaware of ongoing talks between them and the Sox, although it has been assumed for some time that they are happening. Indications are he wasn’t being coy.
“Honestly, I don’t pay too much attention to that,” Moncada said. “My focus is just in the game and preparing myself to be in the best position that I can be for the season. Just work hard. That’s my goal right now.”
Like Robert, who received a $26 million signing bonus before the six-year, $50 million deal he signed this winter, Moncada already has financial security from the $31.5 million he received for signing with the Red Sox in 2015. But Moncada said Tuesday he wants to be with a White Sox long term. Next season would be his first arbitration year, and he’s not eligible for free agency until 2024. He is under contract for $627,000 this season.
An extension, which would likely be for six plus years, would undoubtedly surpass the $100 million mark, topping the Sox’ biggest contract ever — for Yasmani Grandal at $73 million over four years signed this offseason.
“Obviously money is a big part of our career,” Moncada said. “What motivates me is just playing baseball. That’s what gives me real joy.
“But that’s not my concern right now. I just want to play baseball and enjoy the game and do great things.”
And for the Sox, he said.
“Yes, I feel comfortable on this team. I have been feeling comfortable on this team since the moment I came here. I actually see myself on this team for a very long time.”
The Sox’ best overall hitter in 2019, Moncada enjoyed a breakout season after switching from second base last season. He batted .315/.367/.548 with 25 home runs and 10 stole bases.
Assistant general manager Jeremy Haber, the point man in most contract talks for the Sox, was asked if more new contracts for young players were in the works when Bummer’s deal was announced.
“It’s a natural time for that type of speculation,” Haber said. “Our track record in terms of the organizational approach to these is pretty clear at this point.”
The White Sox clubhouse is already full of enthusiasm as the organization’s rebuild begins to come together. Moncada is under team control for the next four seasons, but adding more years is something everyone would celebrate.
“It shows you these guys are buying in, and also giving them security for their family,” said Anderson, who signed the richest contract given to a player with less than one year of major league service in 2017. “I think it says a lot. It says a lot for these guys to take those contracts and just trying to keep this thing together as long as we can.”
