TAMPA — The Yankees took a second look at Yoan Moncada early Wednesday evening during a George M. Steinbrenner Field workout, The Post has learned.
Two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the 19-year-old free agent, a switch-hitting infielder from Cuba, showcased his skills for the Yankees, who were intrigued enough to see him again.
The Yankees’ talent evaluators like Moncada, but the organization is leery of the money it might take to sign him. It has been speculated the second baseman could command a $30 million signing bonus. For the Yankees and Dodgers, who are among the teams with interest in Moncada — along with the Red Sox and Padres — a $30 million bonus would mean it would cost them $60 million because the Yankees and Dodgers have exceeded their international signing limits during this signing period, which expires in July.
Wednesday’s workout could mean the Yankees want to make sure about Moncada before offering him a contract.
Agent David Hastings, who has spoken of getting his client signed by the opening of spring-training camps (Yankees position players report Feb. 25), was not available for comment Wednesday night concerning the circumstances surrounding the workout at Steinbrenner Field.
At only 19 (he turns 20 in May), it’s highly unlikely Moncada will immediately be ready to play in the majors. Some speculate the 6-foot-2 205-pounder would require two years in the minor leagues to finish his development.
Moncada hit .277 across two seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, that country’s top league.
Yet if a team gives Moncada the amount of money that has been speculated — the Dodgers, according to an international scouting source, are willing to go to $40 million — he will be expected to be in the big leagues sooner than most 19-year-old signees.
“He would have to start at Single-A and that is a lot of money for somebody to begin at that level,’’ an international scout said. “If he was in the draft, he would be a first-round pick, but that’s a long way from that type of money for a 19-year-old.’’
On Monday, Hastings said he was looking to get Moncada with an organization shortly.
“We have let teams know that we are receptive to offers and it would like to be able to conclude this process as soon as possible,’’ he said.
If the Yankees view Moncada as a second baseman and sign him, it would impact Rob Refsnyder’s future. Until the Yankees signed free agent Stephen Drew, the plan was for Refsnyder, one of the Yankees’ top prospects, to get a chance to win the job in spring training.
Refsnyder, who hasn’t played in the big leagues, is likely to open the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Scouts are impressed with Refsnyder’s bat, but question if he has a position.