In his games this season as the team’s substitute for Anthony Rendon, Yoán Moncada—let’s say this carefully—has been really good. Although it’s unclear if he will be able to sustain himself long enough to post regularly for the remainder of the season, he has been outstanding in the 21 games he has played (out of a potential 47).
His influence on the Angels this season was exemplified by his game-tying, 339-foot, three-run home run against the Athletics. Moncada is just behind Zach Neto in terms of the team’s greatest fWAR and offensive fWAR. The Angels signed Moncada to a one-year, $5 million contract as their first sign that they were finally ready to stop playing Rendon every day. He lags behind Nolan Schanuel in hitting average, and behind Matthew Lugo and Neto in OPS and wOBA. So far, it’s been fantastic… *raps on wood*
You want to avoid jinxing anything when discussing baseball. For instance: You should never comment on a game that is passing quickly since doing so would cause it to become tedious. This also applies to a pitcher who throws a no-hitter. Don’t mention anything about a once-great prospect showing signs of life in this situation.
Angels supporters must do all in their power to keep quiet about Moncada because if they do, he could instantly revert to his pumpkin self. It’s important to note that he has been battling a thumb injury for the whole of this season and played 12 games last year, 92 the year before, and 104 in 2022.
Even if we’ve enjoyed the Moncada experience thus far, we’re going to zip our lips. It’s been good; just eliminate hope and have modest expectations.
