Angels Option 2 Former Big Prospect Busts + Starting Shortstop

The Los Angeles Angels have reduced their major league roster by one starting shortstop, and two former big-time prospect busts. The pair of former first-rounders, Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak, will both start their seasons at Triple-A.

#Angels manager Phil Nevin explained some of the team’s roster moves today, via the OCR:

On Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak: “At the end of the day, they need to play.”

On Ben Joyce: “Stuff-wise he’s there, but there’s other things involved.”https://t.co/k6ma0KX2fN

— Beyond The Halo (@BeyondTheHalo) March 24, 2023

As noted by Angels manager Phil Nevin, on Adell and Moniak, “At the end of the day, they need to play.” And with Mike Trout, Taylor Ward and Hunter Renfroe slotted in as the starting outfielders, there wouldn't have been a lot of time in the field for either of the once-highly-touted outfielders. 

Moniak was the first overall pick of the 2016 Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, and was acquired in the Noah Syndergaard trade last year. Adell has been up and down for numerous attempts with the Angels, but simply hasn't been able to hit major league pitching. 

Also getting cut from the big league roster was last year's starting shortstop Andrew Velazquez. But he batted just .196 in 2022, with an OPS+ of 53 (that's 47% worse than the average hitter). This spring, Velazquez hasn't been much better at the plate, hitting .162.  Luis Rengifo will likely get the start at the shortstop, with David Fletcher and Gio Urshela also around.

Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports