Kelly: Moncada looks like an NFL linebacker
Boston Red Sox top prospect Yoan Moncada made his highly anticipated spring debut at major-league camp on Wednesday and had starter Joe Kelly marveling at his stature.
"Just look at him," Kelly told reporters. "You expect him to be a corner outfielder or friggin' inside linebacker for the San Diego Chargers."
Moncada, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, went 1-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout against the Pittsburgh Pirates before he was removed to start the sixth inning. He appeared defensively at second base.
Do you like pictures of Yoan Moncada? pic.twitter.com/eFUhEeatGy
— Michael Silverman (@MikeSilvermanBB) March 9, 2016
The Red Sox invested $63 million in the 20-year-old Cuban last February, including a $31.5-million bonus. Moncada appeared in 81 games with Single-A Greenville, hitting .278/.380/.438 with eight home runs, 19 doubles, and 49 stolen bases.
He was a surprise call-up to camp Wednesday, giving the team the opportunity to get a better look at one of their future pieces. Moncada's ranked the third-best prospect by Baseball America and seventh by MLB.com heading into this season.