Moniak's move to Anaheim has re-energized his career

PHILADELPHIA -- Mickey Moniak is a big believer that things happen for a reason.

So while his stint with the Phillies didn’t go as planned after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 Draft, he’s relished his change of scenery with the Angels since being acquired at the 2022 Trade Deadline. Moniak returned to Philadelphia for the first time since the trade on Monday night, and he went 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI single in a 6-4 loss at Citizens Bank Park.

Moniak, who will receive his 2022 National League championship ring from the Phillies on Wednesday, never had a multihit game in his 47 games with Philadelphia from '20-22. He hit just .129 over that stretch. But this was the 17th time he’s done it this season and his ninth game with at least three hits. It’s been part of a productive year for Moniak, who is batting .284/.313/.504 with 13 homers, 19 doubles and 41 RBIs in 77 games.

“The term 'change of scenery,' I think there's a lot that goes into it,” Moniak said. “For me, I’m an hour away from home, and that’s been great to see family. Last year, the Phillies were built to win and there wasn’t a leash for me. Being able to come over here and get that month and a half under my belt last year was huge for me. But I wouldn’t be here if the Phillies didn’t take a chance on me as an 18-year-old.”

The Angels took their chance on Moniak last season, acquiring him in a trade for Noah Syndergaard. They bet on Moniak’s pedigree despite his struggles in the Majors with the Phillies and thought a move closer home could help as well. Moniak grew up about 65 miles southeast of Anaheim in Encinitas, just north of San Diego.

Manager Phil Nevin can relate, too. He was the No. 1 overall pick by the Astros in 1992, but he didn’t break out in the Majors until '99 with the Padres. It was also a move closer to home for Nevin, who grew up north of Anaheim in Placentia.

“We’ve certainly had a lot of those conversations,” Nevin said. “But I’ve known him for a while. He played travel ball with my sons in San Diego. So he came into a comfortable environment where he knew people and knew me. And he’s home, too, and he’s able to see his family. As a Southern California kid who grew up on the beach, this is a different place to play. Philadelphia is one of the best places, but it can be tough.”

Moniak, 25, showed signs of his potential late last season with the Angels, but he broke his left middle finger on a bunt attempt on Aug. 6 and missed a month with the injury. He played through pain the rest of the way and batted .174 over his final 14 games.

But Moniak dedicated himself to getting better in the offseason and worked with assistant hitting coach Phil Plantier to tweak his mechanics at the plate. It paid immediate dividends in Spring Training, and he hit .409 in 18 games. But with a crowded outfield that featured veterans Mike Trout, Hunter Renfroe and Taylor Ward, along with fourth outfielder Brett Phillips, there wasn’t room on the active roster for Moniak.

Moniak, though, took it in stride and continued to hit at Triple-A Salt Lake, and he essentially forced the Angels' hand with his strong performance. He earned a callup in mid-May with Phillips designated for assignment a week later.

Moniak has taken that opportunity and run with it this season, which should set him up for a prominent role next season, especially with Renfroe heading for free agency. He’ll need to be more selective at the plate in the future -- he's struck out 104 times and has walked just nine times this season -- but he has the hands and surprising power to be a solid hitter.

Moniak showed that with his triple to the right-field corner off Taijuan Walker in the fifth, then he added an RBI single off lefty reliever Matt Strahm in the seventh. It was just his 10th career hit against a lefty in 76 at-bats.

“I know he was anxious to come back and he didn’t get a very warm reception,” Nevin said with a smile. “But he played a heck of a game. And he also made a great catch [in the seventh] to keep us in it. I’m happy for him. I’m sure it feels good for him, other than the loss, but it was certainly good to see for us.”