The End of an Era: Mickey Moniak’s Departure from Philadelphia
Just two minutes before the 2022 trade deadline, Phillies bench coach Mike Calitri walked out to center field, signaling to 24-year-old Mickey Moniak that his time in Philadelphia had come to an end.
A Promising Start that Dimmed
Moniak, the top pick of the 2016 draft, struggled over six years, bouncing between the major leagues and the minors. At 5:58 p.m. ET that August, Calitri put his arm around Moniak and escorted him to the dugout, sharing quiet words of appreciation.
The Colorado Rockies: A Long-Standing Interest
As he moved through the Atlanta outfield, Moniak believed he was heading to the Colorado Rockies. Back in 2016, the Rockies had a deal ready with Moniak if he slipped to pick No. 4. However, the Phillies selected him first, but interest from Colorado had persisted over the years.
A Full-Circle Journey
Moniak was traded to the Angels but three years later—nine years after the Rockies first eyed him—they finally acquired him. He joined the Rockies on March 27, just a day before the season opener, and was warmly reintroduced by general manager Bill Schmidt.
Struggles and Opportunities
Despite his potential, Moniak faced challenges on the field. The Philadelphia fanbase was mixed, having seen him get optioned to and from Triple-A numerous times. Moniak reflected on how the team’s urgency for wins left little room for his development.
Finding His Groove in Colorado
After being released by the Angels shortly before the 2024 season, Moniak found a fresh start with the Rockies. The team’s coaching staff believes in his abilities, with interim manager Warren Schaeffer noting his prestigious draft background.
Room for Growth
Currently, Moniak’s performance shows promise despite some ups and downs. His statistics indicate potential for improvement, and he feels confident about his future, stating he believes there is more talent yet to be tapped.
