Mickey Moniak has made significant strides in his second season with the Los Angeles Angels as he is sporting career highs in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.280), slugging percentage (.490), doubles (21), home runs (13) and RBI (43).
While the 25-year-old appears to have cemented himself as part of the Angels’ future, there are a few areas he can stand to improve in. One is plate discipline as the former No. 1 overall pick has struck out 110 times as opposed to drawing only nine walks.
Moniak has also struggled mightily against left-handed pitching this season as he is hitting just .200/.226/.233 with two doubles and four RBI in 62 plate appearances.
However, Moniak has shown signs of improvement of late as he delivered a two-out, game-tying RBI single in the ninth inning off Orioles left-handed reliever DL Hall on Tuesday.
Angels manager Phil Nevin was confident letting Moniak swing against a southpaw with the game on the line despite his overall struggles, per Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group:
“I know what the numbers look like, but he’s had some really good at-bats and late against tough left-handed relievers,” Manager Phil Nevin said. “To me, that’s something that can boost him going forward.”
Although Moniak has poor numbers against left-handed pitchers, he is slowly earning the trust of Nevin due to his recent encouraging at-bats.
If Moniak continues showing progress, there is no telling how much of an impact he can have on the Angels in future seasons. And with so much uncertainty surrounding the team, any silver lining is welcome at this point.
Mickey Moniak grateful for time with Phillies & Angels
Late last month, Moniak returned to Citizens Bank Park for the first time since the Phillies traded him to the Angels at the 2022 deadline.
Moniak reflected on his time with the organization and is grateful that they took a chance on him, while also expressing gratitude to the Angels for believing in him.