If we've learned one thing about Padres GM A.J. Preller it's that he's constantly juggling acquisition options and at any given time he's got more than one in the air. Not long after catching pitcher James Shields last night, the Padres have turned their attention to Cuban phenom infielder Yoan Moncada. He has a private workout scheduled for today tweets Jeff Passan.
The Padres are taking over the world: Sources say San Diego is working out Yoan Moncada today and plans to be aggressive in bidding for him.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 9, 2015I'm curious where they'll work out Moncada though since Petco Park's field is configured as a motocross track at the present moment. I'm sure they'll work something out at an undisclosed location.
MLB Trade Rumors does a good job explaining how Moncada's estimated $30-40 million bonus could translated to $60 -$80 million after maximum overage penalties.
Padres Planning Aggressive Pursuit Of Yoan Moncada – MLB Trade Rumors
Moncada is perhaps the most coveted international prospect in history, as the switch-hitting, five-tool infielder is rumored to be in line for a bonus of anywhere from $30-40MM.
However, the maximum penalties, which trigger at a 15 percent overage, include a 100 percent tax on every dollar spent over the pool limit as well as the loss of the ability to sign an international amateur for more than $300K in any of the two subsequent signing periods. Because of the overage taxes, a $30-40MM bonus would really mean a $60-80MM commitment.
Seriously, who are these guys? They're not the Padres we used to know.
Recently told that Padres might not be be scared off by the idea of having a $300k limit/int'l prospect for the next two signing periods.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) February 9, 2015