TAMPA -- The Rockies agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Mickey Moniak to provide outfield speed and depth, according to Major League sources. The club has not confirmed the deal.
After being released by the Angels on Tuesday, Moniak and the Rockies came to terms on Wednesday for $1.25 million guaranteed, a source said. The deal is expected to become official on Thursday.
Moniak, 26, also will receive termination pay from the Angels worth roughly $484,000, a source said. Moniak won his arbitration case against the Angels this winter, getting awarded a $2 million salary, though since those contracts are not guaranteed, Los Angeles only owes him 45 days of salary after releasing him. Moniak¡¯s deal with the Rockies will give him a guaranteed salary of $1.734 million, which was essentially the midpoint of his arbitration case with the Angels.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft by the Phillies, the left-handed-hitting Moniak can be used at all three outfield positions and to spell two-time Gold Glove-winning center fielder Brenton Doyle -- whether to reduce wear and tear or face certain right-handed pitchers.
Moniak has a .230/.272/.402 career slash line with the Phillies and Angels. Moniak's best season was '23, when he batted .280 with 14 home runs, 45 RBIs, 21 doubles and two triples in 85 games. Last season, Moniak batted .219 with 14 homers, 17 doubles and two triples.
The move gives the Rockies two players who can play in center when Doyle is rested. Right-handed-hitting Tyler Freeman, acquired from the Guardians on Saturday for outfielder Nolan Jones, started in center in Cleveland for much of last year, but the Rockies will also use him in the middle infield spots.
Moniak could start and receive playing time in the corner outfield positions, where the Rockies also have left-handed-hitting Nick Martini and right-handed hitters Jordan Beck and Sean Bouchard.