Angels Release Mickey Moniak
Mar 25, 2025 - Written by Kian Behravan
Photo Credit: @MLBTradeRumors - X
The Angels have released former 1st overall pick Mickey Moniak this morning, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. This winter, he won the arbitration hearing and was set to make a $2MM salary. Now, however, the Angels only have to pay him one-sixth of the salary ($333K) since full arbitration salaries are not guaranteed.
Moniak, entering his age-27 season, put up acceptable numbers for the Angels in 2023, but batted just .219 in 2024, making for an 81 OPS+ and putting up negative WAR. In Spring Training, he had an OPS of just .570 while collecting nine hits in 52 at-bats (.173). The vision for this season from multiple writers and fans was to have him platoon with Jo Adell in center field, but now that he’s gone, who should become the Angels’ prototypical fourth outfielder?
One option is Matthew Lugo, a minor leaguer in the Angels system. Lugo, 24, is a hitter who gets on base well. In 2024, he posted an OBP north of .370 in the minors. There is also some pop in his bat, as he slugged .578 in those 79 games. In Spring Training, he hit just below .300, collecting four doubles and three triples, with an OBP of .333. Lugo has not played a game in the majors, and platooning with Jo Adell could be a great start. Originally he is a shortstop, but he has started 104 games in left field. Minor adjustments will have to be made, but this seems like the most logical option with such little time before Opening Day.
Another option is Kyren Paris. Paris, 23, is a middle infielder by trade, but the Angels did use him in the outfield for a couple of games at the major league level. During the offseason, he focused on fixing his swing with the help of Richard Schenck, Aaron Judge’s hitting instructor, and his teachings online. He added a larger leg kick to his swing, and it seems to have helped greatly, as he batted .400 with an OPS north of 1.100 in Spring Training. On top of that, he crushed eight extra-base hits (6 2B, 2 HR). To start the season, Paris would be platooning with Adell hitting against right-handed pitching. However, if he can prove that he has what it takes to become an everyday player, Ron Washington just might take that chance on him.
An instance where both of these players could end up on the roster would be if Yoán Moncada (thumb) starts the season on the IL. He was seen taking ground balls at third base before the Freeway Series game yesterday with no brace, but his thumb is still wrapped. It’s still unclear if he’ll be ready for Opening Day. According to Jeff Fletcher, if Moncada is out to start the year, Paris would be in the infield while Lugo stays in the outfield with Adell.
A big move like this right before Opening Day seems confusing, but with the lack of production from Moniak in years aside from 2023, it only makes sense to take a chance on younger talent, and finally give Jo Adell the chance he’s been longing for. The main goal of the organization is to build a strong, young team in these coming years so that when these players are more experienced, they can make a playoff push fans have been wanting to see for over a decade.
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