Yoan Moncada
Yoan Moncada (L) from Cienfuegos team plays at second base during the Cuban National Series All-Star baseball game in Sancti Spiritus in this March 24, 2013 file photo. The Boston Red Sox have reportedly signed prized Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada, a switch-hitting infielder coveted by a host of Major League Baseball teams, to a record $31.5 million signing bonus.The league's officials website, MLB.com, announced the deal for the 19-year-old Moncada on February 23, 2015, citing an industry source. Moncada's deal eclipses the $8.27 million bonus record for an international amateur under the current guidelines, which was given in January to pitcher Yoan Lopez by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Picture taken March 24, 2013. REUTERS

In the latest in Major League Baseball, or MLB, the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a huge deal with Cuban Yoan Moncada. The contract is worth about $31.5 million according to a report. Teams like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres were also interested in the in-fielder but Moncada chose the Red Sox.

Jesse Sanchez, a writer for MLB.com, reported the deal, which has the largest bonus in Red Sox history, on Twitter:

The signing bonus for Moncada broke the record for an international amateur signing and is now drawing controversy in baseball circles. The previous highs include a deal in 2011 when the Pittsburgh Pirates gave Gerrit Cole an $8 million signing bonus and just this 2014 offseason when the Arizona Diamondbacks offered Yoan Lopez an $8.27 signing bonus. The Yankees were one of the aggressive teams in trying to sign Moncada and even had private workouts with the Cuban prospect but the Red Sox beat them with the record offer.

Moncada at 19 years old is considered one of the prospects for his age and position for now but is anticipated to be a franchise player that can bring speed, power and versatility for the Red Sox in the future. Moncada is a switch-hitter and is expected to have the tools to play either the second or third base in the majors.

Moncada is not yet ready for the big leagues and is expected to play in the minors for player development. Pending a physical, the signing will be official and will also mean that the Red Sox will pay the equal amount to the league as part of the salary rules in the MLB.

Email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au to contact author.

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