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Report: Dodgers targeting Cuban shortstop Yoan Moncada

Denny Medley / USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly shifting their focus to switch-hitting infielder Yoan Moncada after being spurned by fellow Cuban Yoan Lopez.

MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reports the Dodgers are targeting the 19-year-old shortstop, who is considered by international scouts to be the best teenage prospect to leave Cuba since Jorge Soler.

Moncada is expected to hold private workouts for teams this month, despite not being allowed to sign with any MLB club until he's cleared by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Moncada, who was declared a free agent by MLB late last year, would be subject to international bonus pools (see post below) once he officially defects from Cuba.

The 6-foot, 210-pound infielder is said to be capable of handling defensive duties at shortstop, second and third base.

Sanchez reports the Dodgers aggressively pursued Lopez before the right-handed pitcher reportedly agreed to terms with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $8.27-million deal.

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