Los Angeles Angels Release Recent No.1 Overall Pick

In a surprising move just days before Opening Day, the Los Angeles Angels have released outfielder Mickey Moniak, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. 

Moniak, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022 in exchange for pitcher Noah Syndergaard, was expected to split time in center field with Jo Adell this season. 

Instead, the Angels cut ties with the 26-year-old after a rough spring in which he hit just .192 with two home runs and nine RBIs across 52 at-bats. He will receive about $484,000 of the $2 million salary he won in arbitration earlier this offseason.

The Los Angeles Angels are releasing outfielder Mickey Moniak, sources tell ESPN. They owe him $333,333 — one-sixth of the $2 million salary he won in an arbitration hearing over the winter. Similar situation to J.D. Davis’ last spring. Arb settlements are guaranteed. Not cases.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 25, 2025

Moniak showed flashes of promise in 2023, batting .280 with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs in 85 games. But his production dipped in 2024, as he hit just .219 while striking out at an alarming rate, with a .266 on-base percentage over 124 games. 

While some regression was expected after a .397 BABIP the year before, the Angels’ decision to tender him a contract in November made his release all the more unexpected. 

“What the actual (expletive) are they doing?” one fan posted on social media, echoing the confusion surrounding the team's decision. ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted the situation mirrors last year’s release of J.D. Davis, stating, “Arb settlements are guaranteed. Not cases.”

Angels have released Mickey Moniak pic.twitter.com/co7wFJUIn7

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 25, 2025

The move opens up roster flexibility, potentially clearing the way for 23-year-old outfielder Matthew Lugo, acquired from Boston at last year’s deadline, as well as utilityman Kyren Paris. 

With Mike Trout shifting to right field full-time and Jo Adell taking over in center, the Angels appear to be leaning into youth and cost-efficiency. 

The team, which hasn’t made the playoffs since 2014 and is riding a nine-season losing streak, is clearly looking for a fresh start. Moniak, now a free agent, will seek an opportunity to reignite his career elsewhere.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images