Despite Demotion, Angels' Moniak Could Break Out at MLB Level in 2023

Almost seven years after the Philadelphia Phillies made outfielder Mickey Moniak the no. 1 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, Moniak was sent down by the Los Angeles Angels to Triple-A Salt Lake to open the season. Moniak impressed at spring training, posting a 1.185 OPS in 18 games.

Almost seven years ago, the Philadelphia Phillies made Mickey Moniak the no. 1 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. Moniak has yet to make a serious impact at the Major League level and his time may be coming soon, but the outfielder will have to wait a little bit longer for his opportunity.

Moniak, Jo Adell and Andrew Velazquez were optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake Friday, as the Angels trim their roster in the final days of spring training.

Moniak has had himself a terrific spring, batting .409 with a .435 On Base Percentage and 1.185 OPS, generating some buzz and speculation that perhaps the 24-year-old would crack the Major League roster to open the season.

The Angels' outfield will consist of Taylor Ward in left field, Mike Trout in center and Hunter Renfroe in right. Brett Phillips will serve as the club's fourth outfielder. Over his last five Major League seasons, Phillips has a slash line of .178/.263/.598. Through 20 games, Phillips has slashed .150/.227/.552 this spring. Phillips has yet to get his bat going, but that won't stop him from being a contributor. The 29-year-old plays a remarkable defensive centerfield, and will likely be used as a late inning defensive replacement. Phillips signed a Major League, one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Angels in January.

With Ward, Trout and Renfroe in front of him, Moniak will get a chance to play everyday in Triple-A, rather than see limited action as a back-up.

The Angels acquired Moniak from the Phillies last August in exchange for starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard. Moniak has made 167 plate appearances since receiving his first call to the show in 2020. In 153 at bats, Moniak is slashing .157/.218/.486 for his career.

If Moniak's spectacular spring is able to translate to a strong showing in Triple-A, he should see time at the big league level soon, and perhaps 2023 will be the season he establishes himself in the show.

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