Angels Release Outfielder Mickey Moniak Just Days Before Opening Day

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels have shocked the baseball community by releasing outfielder Mickey Moniak just days ahead of Opening Day, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Tuesday.

This surprising decision follows Moniak’s recent competition for the starting center field position. With veteran Mike Trout shifting to right field, Moniak was poised to play a key role in the Angels’ lineup alongside Jo Adell in the center. However, a disappointing performance during spring training, where he posted a .173 batting average with 18 strikeouts and only nine hits, ultimately influenced the team’s choice.

Moniak, 26, had previously displayed promise in the 2023 season, slashing a commendable .280/.307/.495 with 14 home runs across 85 games. Despite these achievements, discrepancies in plate discipline marred his record, as he recorded 113 strikeouts against just nine walks that year. He finished the 2024 season with a batting average of .219 over 124 games.

The decision to release Moniak is seen as an endorsement of Jo Adell, who also struggled in spring training, finishing with a .180 average. Nonetheless, Adell demonstrated more potential for growth and was expected to fill in the center field role alongside Taylor Ward in left.

Moniak’s contract situation also contributed to the Angels’ decision. He successfully won an arbitration case this offseason, securing a $2 million salary for 2024. Since arbitration awards are only partially guaranteed, the Angels will owe him approximately $333,333, covering one-sixth of his total amount.

Additionally, the Angels faced roster management challenges. They needed to add infielder Tim Anderson to their 40-man roster, a two-time All-Star who was attempting a comeback after a less-than-stellar season with the Miami Marlins. Anderson’s reliable defense became essential, particularly with shortstop Zach Neto recovering from an offseason shoulder procedure.

While Moniak’s future in Major League Baseball remains uncertain, several teams may consider taking a chance on the former first overall pick of the 2016 MLB Draft.