The Angels are releasing outfielder Mickey Moniak, reviews ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The previous No. 1 choose received an arbitration listening to towards the crew earlier this winter, securing a $2M wage. Nonetheless, salaries awarded in an arbitration listening to are solely partially assured, so the crew will solely owe 45 days of termination pay — slightly below one-quarter of his wage (about $484K).
It’s a reasonable shock, if solely as a result of the Angels bid Moniak a contract in November. He seemed to have an actual probability at being non-tendered after batting simply .219/.266/.380 in 414 plate appearances final yr, however as soon as the Halos determined to maintain him, it appeared possible he’d open with the membership — significantly within the wake of Mike Trout’s transfer from middle area to proper area. Moniak’s bleak .173/.224/.346 slash this spring couldn’t have helped his standing, however the Angels will go along with the cost-saving route relatively than hoping Moniak can return to his 2023 type when he hit .280/.307/.495.
Moniak by no means appeared more likely to replicate that manufacturing in subsequent seasons absolutely. It was a solid-looking line on the floor, however he struck out in 35% of his plate appearances that season and wanted a colossal .397 common on balls in play to get to that manufacturing. He was an apparent regression candidate, although maybe to not the extent we noticed in 2024 and to this point this spring.
With Moniak not on the roster, former high prospect Jo Adell appears to be like to have middle area to himself. He’ll be flanked by Taylor Ward in left and Trout in proper. The Angels don’t have a prototypical fourth outfielder now, although infielder/nook outfielder Matthew Lugo may add an alternative choice if he makes the roster. Trout, after all, can sometimes function a backup in middle if Adell is out of the lineup, and it stays doable that the Halos add one other middle area choice between now and Opening Day as groups make their remaining waves of cuts.
