Moncada (thumb) will start the 2017 season in the minors, presumably at Triple-A, Mass Live's Christopher Smith reports. "I think he would be able to play third base well enough with a month of spring training," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. "And he has versatility, too, if we needed that. But right now, I'd say his bat probably needs some more seasoning in the minor league level."

EDGE Analysis

This was expected, as Moncada struggled to hit offspeed pitches and breaking balls in the upper levels of the minors and in the majors last season. Despite those struggles, Moncada will enter 2017 as the top prospect in the game for dynasty league purposes, as he still offers superstar level tools. A minor thumb injury cut short his run in the Arizona Fall League, but he will be good to go for the start of spring training. Travis Shaw, Pablo Sandoval and Brock Holt all project to make the 25-man roster out of spring training as options at third base, so the Red Sox can afford to be patient with Moncada. However, once he proves himself capable of handling a steady diet of offspeed pitches at Triple-A, the Red Sox will likely promote him as he would then profile as the organization's best option at the hot corner.