The Los Angeles Angels brought in Mickey Moniak last season in a deadline move in exchange for Brandon Marsh. The 25-year-old had struggled through his first few years, which gave some pause entering the 2023 season.
At the time, the deal looked like a regular big league player leaving, and the team banking on a former first-round flier. But when Mike Trout went down with injury, the door for extensive time opened up.
In 56 games, Moniak has posted a 144 wRC+ with a .311/.342/.555 slash, including 11 home runs and 35 RBI. The Angels have been fortunate to receive as much production from his bat as they have, and it has become a staple.
For the defensive miscues he’s had, Moniak has made up for them at the plate, coming up with several key swings thus far. The bet on him was cashed in because of a successful offseason, with the help of the Angels coaching staff, per Lucas Evans of the L.A. Times:
Working with Angels hitting coaches Phil Plantier and Marcus Thames in the offseason has helped him load into his left hip better at the plate, opening his stance for better fastball coverage and adjustment to offspeed pitches.
Thames was brought in by manager Phil Nevin because of their prior relationship when in New York with the Yankees. The philosophy he carried with him was the need to capitalize on hammering fastballs while being aggressive early in the count.
On the year, Moniak has posted the highest slugging percentage of his career, with him demolishing both fastballs and offspeed stuff at an unreal rate.
“He’s still gonna chase balls, and I’m fine with that,” Nevin said. “He’s so aggressive when he gets up there — I don’t want to change that, because he’s got such good hand-eye coordination … that’s what all his data and statistics are showing right now.”
General manager Perry Minasian brought in a number of other proven veteran outfielders, and Moniak has been one of their most potent bats. Fortunately for the Angels, Moniak has plenty of team control past this season and should become a regular piece to their order.
Mike Trout close to return to Angels lineup
Trout’s original timetable was four to eight weeks, but the Angels made it clear it would likely be closer to the six to eight week side. This would place him at a return somewhere between mid-to-late August. And all indications point to this timeline potentially becoming a reality.
Trout has been taking dry swings throughout the week, which prompts thoughts of his return.
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