Angels Shockingly Releasing Outfielder Mickey Moniak Just Days Before Opening Day

The Los Angeles Angels have shocked the baseball world and are releasing outfielder Mickey Moniak just days before Opening Day, per ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan.

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The Los Angeles Angels are releasing outfielder Mickey Moniak, sources tell ESPN. They owe him $333,333 — one-sixth of the $2 million salary he won in an arbitration hearing over the winter. Similar situation to J.D. Davis’ last spring. Arb settlements are guaranteed. Not cases.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 25, 2025

This surprise move comes at a time where there have never been more questions than answers surrounding center field for the Halos.

With Mike Trout solidifying his move to right field, Moniak was expected to split time in center field in a platoon with Jo Adell. Taylor Ward would round out the outfield in left.

Earlier this offseason, the 26-year-old center fielder won his arbitration case against the Halos. He was set to earn $2 million this season, while the Angels filed for $1.5 million in the case.

However, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft will now find a new home in a sudden turn of events two days before Opening Day.

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This move appears to be a good sign for utility prospect Matthew Lugo who has had an exciting spring training thus far.

Lugo, a 23-year-old shortstop, left fielder, and third baseman, batted .298/.333/.474 with an OPS of .807 this spring in 24 appearances.

Last season, the prospect spent time in both Double-A and Triple-A. He continued to impress with his bat, slashing .287/.376/.578 and an OPS of .954.

Before this surprise decision, Lugo was lined up for another season starting in the minors, but he is suddenly a top candidate to fill this new roster opening.

Moniak struggled during the first half of last season but had a productive second act in 2024. He finished the campaign with an OPS of .738, compared to his abysmal mark of .586 to start the season.

This spring was a bit more of the same struggles as Moniak had a dreadful slash line of .173/.224/.346 and an OPS of .570. He added two home runs, nine RBIs, and 18 strikeouts.

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The 26-year-old was first brought to Anaheim in the middle of the 2022 season by way of the Philadelphia Phillies as a result of the Noah Syndergaard trade.

In two full seasons and 19 games in ‘22, Moniak gave the Angels 31 home runs, 100 RBIs, and a final slash line of .242/.279/.430 with an OPS of .709 during his tenure.

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