The Colorado Rockies have reportedly signed former top Phillies and Angels prospect Mickey Moniak to a one-year deal, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and Thomas Harding. Moniak, 26, was released by the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday after a tough spring training, where he posted a .173 batting average and .570 OPS. Despite winning an arbitration case earlier this year to secure a $2 million salary for 2025, he struggled in camp, leading to his release.
The Rockies will pay Moniak $1.25 million this season, in addition to the $484K in termination pay he’ll receive from the Angels. Moniak, the first overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, had a career-high 124 games played in 2024, finishing with a .219 batting average, 14 home runs, 49 RBIs, eight stolen bases, and a .646 OPS. His defense was subpar, as he posted -4 defensive runs saved and a -0.1 WAR.
In 2023, Moniak showed more promise, hitting .280 with 14 home runs, 45 RBIs, six stolen bases, and an .802 OPS in just 85 games. He was once ranked as the No. 19 prospect in baseball entering the 2017 season, but his stock dropped significantly by 2018. Moniak debuted in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020, but struggled to make an impact. He was traded to the Angels in 2022 as part of a deal that sent former All-Star pitcher Noah Syndergaard to Philadelphia.
Moniak will join a Rockies outfield that includes Brenton Doyle, Jordan Beck, and Nick Martini. Colorado recently traded away Nolan Jones and sent top prospect Zac Veen to Triple-A to start the season. The Rockies are set to open their regular season on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays at 4:10 p.m. ET.
No Comment! Be the first one.