Angels Release Former No. 1 Overall Pick Mickey Moniak

The Los Angeles Angels have released Mickey Moniak, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 MLB draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. Moniak was traded to the Angels in 2022 as part of the Noah Syndergaard deal.

Moniak struggled to live up to the hype of being a No. 1 pick, but found his footing in 2023 with an .802 OPS while hitting 14 home runs. Moniak struggled again in 2024, however, with his OPS dropping to .646 over 124 games.

Moniak won his arbitration case against the Angels this offseason, and was set to make $2 million. The Angels will open up a roster spot for Matthew Lugo, who is their top prospect and had a strong camp.