In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Angels have released Mickey Moniak, the former No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 draft, days before the regular season begins. This decision allows Jo Adell to take over as the everyday center fielder, while Mike Trout is transitioning to right field. Moniak’s performance had declined significantly, culminating in a disappointing 2024 spring training where he batted just .173 with 17 strikeouts in 58 plate appearances.

Acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Noah Syndergaard, Moniak was expected to fulfill the potential that led to his top draft selection. However, his career .230 batting average and poor plate discipline have led to his downfall. Despite his struggles, his athleticism and recent hitting performance might still attract interest from teams in need of outfield depth, particularly with injuries plaguing teams like the Detroit Tigers.