Angels Release Former No. 1 Pick Mickey Moniak Ahead of Opening Day

The outfielder's poor spring training performance and declining production led to his release, opening a roster spot for prospect Matthew Lugo.

The Los Angeles Angels released outfielder Mickey Moniak on March 25, 2025, just two days before the MLB regular season begins.
Moniak's release follows a disappointing spring training where he posted a .173/.224/.346 slash line, continuing his decline from a breakout 2023 season.
The Angels will owe Moniak approximately $484,000 of his $2 million arbitration salary due to partial guarantees in his contract.
Matthew Lugo, a 23-year-old outfielder who impressed in spring training, is expected to take Moniak's roster spot for Opening Day.
The release underscores the Angels' ongoing roster restructuring as the team seeks to end its decade-long playoff drought and nine-season losing streak.