Angels release former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak
Two days before their 2025 season opener, the Los Angeles Angels released former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak.
Taken first overall by the Phillies in 2016, Moniak made his big-league debut in 2020 but was unable to find regular playing time in Philadelphia. He was traded to the Angels in 2022 and had a breakout 2023 season, posting a 2.2 WAR with a .280 average and .802 OPS in 85 games.
Moniak got the chance to play every day last season but struggled in 124 games, batting .219 with a .646 OPS.
Despite a rough campaign, the Angels tendered Moniak a contract for 2025, and the 26-year-old was expected to split center field duties with Jo Adell as Mike Trout was shifted to right. The release of Moniak, who was 9-for-52 (.173) with 18 strikeouts in spring training, opens the door for prospect Matthew Lugo to make the opening-day roster.
Los Angeles begins the 2025 season on the road against the Chicago White Sox and the Angels haven't made the playoffs since 2014, baseball's longest active postseason drought.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mickey Moniak released: Angels let go of former No. 1 MLB pick
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