Oft-Injured Former Chicago White Sox Star Could Need IL Stint at Start of 2025 Season

Yoan Moncada, who frustrated White Sox fans with his lack of availability, could end up needing to start the year on the injured list for the Los Angeles Angels.

Brady Farkas | 15 Hours Ago

Los Angeles Angels third base Yoan Moncada (5) poses during photo day on Feb. 19. / Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

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Former Chicago White Sox infielder Yoan Moncada could start his season on the injured list for the Los Angeles Angels, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

Moncada is dealing with a thumb injury.

Yoán Moncada's thumb is worse than we thought. His spot on the Opening Day roster is now in doubt. Probably opens the door for Tim Anderson as the starting 2B (with Rengifo at 3b)

Also, some good news on Zach Neto, and a little talk about the lineup.

Yoán Moncada's thumb is worse than we thought. His spot on the Opening Day roster is now in doubt. Probably opens the door for Tim Anderson as the starting 2B (with Rengifo at 3b)

Also, some good news on Zach Neto, and a little talk about the lineup.https://t.co/38Z68uCWPS
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) March 16, 2025

Unfortunately, White Sox fans have become all too familiar with Moncada on the injured list, as he spent nearly all of 2024 there. Frustratingly unavailable, he also only played 92 games in 2023 and 104 in 2022. His numbers have also regressed over the last few years.

The former No. 1 overall prospect in baseball, Moncada hit 25 homers and drove in 79 runs back in 2019, while also hitting .315. He hit just .225 in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and then has gone .263, .212, .and .260 beyond that. His power has drained as well, as 14 is his highest home run mark since that 2019 season.

The Angels signed Moncada so they could force their own injury-riddled issue, Anthony Rendon, to the bench, but Rendon got hurt again and is set to miss the season.

The Angels finished last in the American League West last season, but they feel more confident after offseason additions of Moncada, Anderson, Yusei Kikuchi, Kyle Hendricks, Jorge Soler and Kenley Jansen.