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General manager Farhan Zaidi confirmed Wednesday that the Dodgers have a strong interest in signing Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada, per MLB.com.
"Moncada, we've scouted extensively. We have the checkbook. Young elite talent in baseball is the most valuable asset to have," Zaidi said in an interview with MLB Network Radio. "To the extent that our evaluation of him matches or exceeds where the market goes, we'll definitely be players for him."
The 19-year-old Moncada could land a signing bonus around $30 million. The Dodgers are doing their due diligence after some recent international signings -- notably Alex Guerrero and Erisbel Arruebarrena -- have yet to pan out.
"We're doing all the homework we can," Zaidi said. "With this type of investment, you have to evaluate the talent and the person, understanding the cultural adjustment they have to make. It's all part of the evaluation we have to make. It'll probably be one of those investments where you don't want to leave any stone unturned."
Some scouts view Moncada as a player with "five-tool potential," per MLB.com. Baseball America's Ben Badler wrote in August that Moncada -- who is a 6-0, 210-pound switch-hitting infielder -- has "more upside" than Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, who signed with the Red Sox last summer for $72.5 million.
