Report: Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada declared free agent by MLB

Highly touted prospect Yoan Moncada is finally a free agent after Major League Baseball reportedly changed its rules regarding Cuban players.

Sources tell Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports that MLB distributed a memo Tuesday stating that any player who possesses a sworn affidavit showing that they're residents of another country and have no intention of returning to Cuba are eligible to sign with a major league team immediately.

Moncada, a 19-year-old infielder, reportedly presented multiple documents to MLB that proved his permanent residence is now Guatemala.

From Passan:

Previously, the league required a specific unblocking license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Recent changes in the government's policy regarding Cuba prompted OFAC to no longer issue specific licenses in cases where the person fulfilled the criteria for a general unblocking license - such as permanent residency in a third country.

Moncada is considered one of the best prospects to ever leave Cuba and is expected to cost teams as much as $80 million between his signing bonus and international spending penalties, according to Passan.

The New York Yankees have been identified as front-runners to land him, with the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers among several teams who have reportedly held private workouts for the talented shortstop.

Passan adds that Moncada isn't expected to sign immediately with a major league club. Sources tell Yahoo Sports that Moncada still has workouts scheduled this month and will likely meet with interested teams a second time before committing.