Former First-Round Pick Drawing Trade Interest Around League

Entering the offseason, the Los Angeles Angels were determined to improve their roster from a year ago. General manager Perry Minasian pledged to be aggressive in doing so, both via free agency and on the trade market.

The team doesn't have a lot of trade pieces to work with, but there are some talented young players on the roster. Despite their overall struggles — no postseason appearances since 2014, no winning seasons since 2015 — the Halos remain an interesting trade partner for opposing squads around the league.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently listed Mickey Moniak as a player that teams across the league are looking into acquiring. 

"The value of a left-handed hitter who can play center field was demonstrated by the Giants’ recent signing of free agent Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million deal. Moniak, who had 14 homers and an .802 OPS in 323 plate appearances last season, is under control for four more seasons."

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic

Moniak had the best season of his career in 2023, hitting .280 with 14 home runs and 45 runs batted in. He could provide a team with decent power after finally showing his potential.

With the Angels, Moniak played all three outfield positions. He was roughly average in center field — OAA and DRS were split on their evaluations — when Mike Trout made his annual trip to the injured list.

The Angels might choose to move Moniak this offseason while his trade value is at its highest. Depending on the return, a trade would sense in case Moniak resorts back to his old ways.

The first overall pick of the 2016 draft, Moniak arrived in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization with immense potential. Unsteady development doomed him, and the Phillies ultimately left Moniak out of their rebuilding project. 

Still only 25 years old, there is plenty of time for Moniak to make his mark in MLB. The only question is where he'll get that chance.