Mickey Moniak Flexing Muscles this Spring
Mickey Moniak may be finally ready to make good on his potential. Selected first overall out of high school back in 2016, his career development has been slowed by modest results due to an unrefined approach at the plate. After receiving a brief taste of MLB action in 2020, Moniak rededicated himself during the offseason and showed up in the spring with a more muscular physique. He already has three extra-base hits through seven games — including two home runs. The Phillies currently have an opening in center field and a strong spring by Moniak could catapult him into consideration and back onto the fantasy baseball radar as a cheap outfield option with upside.
Source: Todd Zolecki
Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect Source: Todd Zolecki
Mickey Moniak Remains Sidelined On Saturday
Mickey Moniak is not in the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon. Instead, Nick Martini will cover right field. The Rockies signed Moniak to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million earlier this week after he was released by the Angels. However, Moniak is still not ready to make his Colorado debut. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could eventually become the everyday option in right field over Martini. Last season, Moniak posted a .219/.266/.380 slash line with 17 doubles and 14 long balls. He generated a weak .289 xwOBA with a .221 xBA. However, he flashed solid upside on the basepaths as he placed in the 84th percentile in sprint speed. When he does return to the lineup, he could have value in deeper NL-only leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Colorado Rockies outfielder Source: MLB.com
Mickey Moniak Lands One-Year Deal With Rockies
Mickey Moniak has quickly found a home after agreeing to a one-year deal for $1.25 million guaranteed with the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, according to major-league sources. The 26-year-old former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016 will also receive termination pay from the Angels worth around $484,000. Moniak's deal with the Rockies will mean he's guaranteed a salary of $1.734 million in 2025. He has experience at all three outfield positions, but most importantly he'll give the Rockies a backup option in center field behind Brenton Doyle. The landing spot in hitter-friendly Coors Field is a plus, but Moniak will most likely be a part-time player and has a career slash line of just .230/.272/.402. Still, he's worth rostering in NL-only leagues with the boost in hitting environment.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand and Thomas Harding
After being released by the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, outfielder Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand and Thomas Harding
Angels Release Mickey Moniak
Mickey Moniak. The 26-year-old posted an underwhelming .179/.224/.346 slash line with one double and two home runs across 21 contests during spring training. Last season, Moniak logged a career-high 124 contests with the Angels and posted a .219/.266/.380 slash line with 17 doubles and 14 home runs. He swiped eight bags. However, he generated a poor .283 xwOBA, which placed him in the 13th percentile among qualified hitters. Moniak also drew walks at a low 5.0 percent rate and struck out at a hefty 27.3 percent rate. The 26-year-old was originally drafted with the first overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft but has yet to take the next step in the major leagues. With Moniak off the roster, fantasy managers should expect Jo Adell to be the everyday center fielder in Los Angeles.
Source: Jeff Passan
The Los Angeles Angels have released outfielder Source: Jeff Passan
Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak The Options In Center Field For Angels
Mike Trout (knee) moving to right field on a full-time basis in 2025, it means that Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak will play center field for the team. Moniak has played the position the most, but Adell had a very good year in right field in 2024, and the Angels will likely want to keep his bat in the lineup as much as possible. Manager Ron Washington said a few days ago that Taylor Ward will be the left fielder. The 25-year-old Adell has only started 15 games in the majors in center field, but he was a Gold Glove finalist in right field last year. Adell is the more attractive bat in fantasy for his power and speed -- he hit 20 home runs and stole 15 bags last year -- but his strikeout rate was still too high and hit he just .207. He also had a nice 44.7% hard-hit rate, but his struggles against right-handed pitching could mean he's ticketed for more of a platoon role in center with Moniak.
Source: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
With Los Angeles Angels outfielder Source: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
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