The Angels have released center fielder Mickey Moniak, in a surprise move just days before the season started.

Moniak was a former No. 1 overall pick by the Phillies in 2016, and was traded to the Angels in 2022, as part of the Noah Syndergaard deal.

Moniak has struggled to live up to that former top prospect status, posting just 0.9 WAR over his five seasons in the leagues. He found his footing in 2023, recording an .802 OPS, while hitting 14 home runs, seemingly getting his career on track.

He struggled again in 2024, however, with his OPS dropping to .646 over 124 games.

Moniak won his arbitration case against the Angels this offseason, and was set to make $2 million. With the release, only one-sixth of his contract is guaranteed, meaning he’ll make less than $500,000 from the Angels this year. There’s already been interest from other teams in Moniak, a league source said.

The move likely opens up a spot for outfield prospect Matthew Lugo, who had a strong camp with the Angels after being acquired in a deadline deal last summer.

(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)