"We believe he's certainly one of the few most talented 19-year-olds in the world," said Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington. "He's got a really unique combination of skills: a great athlete, speed, switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate, defensive skills, the athletic ability to play multiple positions if he had to, a natural second baseman.

"So as I said, he's going to enter into our Minor League system, like everyone else. There's still development to do. He's a developing baseball player, but he's an exceptionally talented one. Obviously, given the circumstances surrounding the signing and the investment we're making, we believe he can be a very good Major League player for a long time. And we're committed to helping him get there in the right way."

Browne on Moncada's position, power-speed combination

MLB.com Red Sox reporter Ian Browne discusses Yoan Moncada's signing with the Red Sox and how the team values the Cuban infielder

After working out informally at Minor League Spring Training for the last several days, Moncada will in full uniform from here on out, wearing No. 22. He will likely start this season playing second base for Class A Greenville.

"I need to start playing baseball -- it's been a year since I played," Moncada said. "I'm grateful for everyone involved, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I've started to train, and I'm going to train the way I have my entire sports life to be a good athlete. I feel good to be here in this organization."

It was a whirlwind few months for Moncada, as 11 of the 30 Major League teams held private workouts for him.

"It was a difficult process to choose which team, because it's the first time I've ever been through anything like this. My decision was mine and my parents back in Cuba," Moncada said. "I called them and told them the situation. They also believe the Red Sox were the right choice. This is a tremendous organization with great players. I'm going to give it all I can to make it to the Major Leagues."

The Red Sox did due diligence on Moncada before signing him. In fact, Cherington said the club prioritized its efforts in Cuba over the past couple of years. Boston signed outfielder Rusney Castillo to a seven-year, $72.5 million deal last August.

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Red Sox introduce Moncada