TEMPE, Ariz. -- Yoán Moncada might have technically been on the active roster for the Chicago White Sox in September, but it was clear they had no intention to use him.
For two weeks, he watched on the bench as his team finished the worst season in Major League Baseball history. All while the team publicly stated they wouldn't use Moncada, a player they'd once hoped would become the face of their franchise.
In fact, Moncada's only at-bat in the final 12 games of the season -- after missing more than five months with an adductor strain -- was an extra-inning, pinch hit strikeout that took place in Angel Stadium, a ballpark he now calls home.
"It's no lie that I had a rough year last year, and we know what happened with Chicago," Moncada said on Sunday. "But at the same time, I have to respect the decision that was made. And I have to deal with it. But now that's in the past, and I'm ready to go."
Moncada's crazy career trajectory has led him to what is effectively a prove-it one-year, $5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. In 2016, he was MLB Pipeline's No. 7 prospect in baseball. He was traded for Chris Sale. He's put up big seasons, including 5.2 fWAR in 2019, and 3.7 fWAR in 2021 as the White Sox raced to an AL Central title.
But the 29-year-old has faded in recent years, as he's played just 104 total games the last two seasons.
The Angels have nonetheless anointed him their starting third baseman. It would have been the case regardless, but was further solidified by Anthony Rendon's season-ending hip injury. But much like Rendon, Moncada is also a massive wildcard. No one is certain if they're getting the slugger with superstar potential or the player who is oft-injured, and was a replacement-level hitter in his last two seasons of elongated baseball.
"I think he can be a guy that can be someone you can count on on both sides of the ball," said manager Ron Washington. "I think he has the ability to power the ball out of the ballpark, but we're not looking for him to be a home run hitter -- but he has that ability. I think he's a guy that can be consistent down at third base."
"We also want him to be a good teammate down in that clubhouse. We're trying to set the standards of what we want."
Moncada said he had offers from multiple teams this offseason, including other offers to be an everyday third baseman. Other teams offered a second base job, or to become a utility man. But he said he chose the Angels because he believed the team has high expectations, and wanted to be teammates with Mike Trout.
He'll also be reunited with White Sox teammates Tim Anderson and Yolmer Sanchez, two players who were also supposed to be a part of the White Sox's up-and-coming core but have signed minor league deals with the Angels in hopes of restarting their careers.
"It feels good having old teammates with me in the clubhouse," Moncada said. "It helps make this transition a whole lot smoother."
Third base has been an abyss for the Angels. They've used 30 third basemen since Rendon signed his seven-year, $245 million contract before the 2020 season. The group includes David MacKinnon, Jonathan Villar and even Albert Pujols. The hot corner has been a hot potato.
Moncada isn't a long-term solution but the Angels are praying he can provide some stability at a position that's lacked it. The issue, though, is that Moncada himself hasn't been a source of stability throughout his career.
"It's very unfortunate that I have that history of injuries, but now I'm very thankful that those injuries are gone in my past," Moncada said. "And I feel healthy and I feel ready to go and play baseball."
Moncada did his first infield drills with Washington on Sunday. They're a patented exercise unique to the longtime coach. "We whooped his butt," Washington said, while acknowledging it takes about three days for most new players to get used to them.
Ultimately, the Angels are counting on Moncada to be motivated by several factors: Finding success in a career heading in the wrong direction; playing for his next contract a year from now; and pleasing a coaching staff that pushes players, particularly on the infield.
It's a risk. And there's no surefire happy ending to this decision. But the Angels were not in the market for Alex Bregman. They didn't trade for Nolan Arenado. They're working with a different budget and different set of circumstances.
But it was also a risk the Angels needed to take. To avoid a scenario like in the Angels-White Sox game last year -- the final home game in Chicago for Moncada -- when the Angels' infield consisted of Eric Wagaman, Jack Lopez, Michael Stefanic and Brandon Drury.
In other words, Moncada provides an everyday option and some much-needed depth. And when he begins his Angels career, it will be at a familiar place. Right back in South Side Chicago on Opening Day, which will represent the turning of a new page in both Moncada's career and the Angels' plans for third base.
"The thing I would like to improve on the most is everything," Moncada said. "But at the same time, stay healthy. That's going to help me be the player I want to be for this team."
* Mike Trout met with Washington and general manager Perry Minasian after reporting to camp on Sunday. The anticipated conversation was surrounding how they planned to use him this year, be it center field or a corner outfield spot. Washington said he didn't have anything to report following the meeting, but it's expected Trout will speak about it on Monday.
* Rendon's locker was replaced in the Angels' new spring training clubhouse. Jorge Soler moved into the spot.
* Soler said he's using spring training to prepare to play outfield this season for the Angels. Soler has struggled defensively throughout his career, and is mostly going to DH in Anaheim. Though with Trout likely to need DH days well, the team does plan to have Soler play at least some defense in 2025.