Angels News: The Former No. 1 Pick is Finding a Home With The Halos

Mickey is showing he can hang with the best of them

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak has come out of nowhere and has helped the Halos tremendously. The talented outfielder was once the number one pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, but the 25-year-old player has had his fair share of struggles, both on and off the field.

One particular challenge he faced was the relentless criticism and negative comments he received on social media. In a brave move, Moniak decided to step away from the virtual world by deleting all his social media accounts. This decision demonstrated his commitment to focus on what truly matters: his performance on the baseball diamond.

Moniak's dedication and determination have started to pay off. Despite the pressures and setbacks he has faced, he has shown glimpses of the talent that made him the top pick in the draft. Slowly but surely, he is proving himself to be a valuable asset to the Angels' roster. Halos insider Sam Blum spoke to the youngster and said he stays low to the ground and focuses on his game. 

“If I’m OK with me on a daily basis,” Moniak said on Saturday, “it really doesn’t matter what other people think.”

In this league, where players are constantly scrutinized, and expectations run high, Moniak's resilience is commendable. He has embraced the challenges head-on, working tirelessly to improve his skills and prove his worth. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by his teammates, coaches, and the Angels' organization.

Halos manager Phil Nevin recognizes his resilience and can empathize with Moniak. 

“You hear those (criticisms) whether you like it or not. And I think he’s been able to push those things aside,” said Angels manager Phil Nevin, who was a No. 1 pick himself, by the

Astros

in 1992. “He’s come home. He’s at a place where he’s comfortable, that made him feel comfortable. “He’s put the work in, and he’s only 25 years old. There’s a heck of a lot of guys that don’t reach their peak performance, their max potential, until they’re 30. We feel like we still have a really good young player that’s going to be impactful for us.”

(Via The Athletic)

While it may have taken some time for Moniak to find his footing, it is clear that he belongs in this league. Mickey is playing out of this world in his first handful of games this season; he's slashing .417/.440/.833 while having two home runs, five RBIs, and 10 hits in eight games. 

If he can keep up this fantastic play, Moniak can be around for a long time and play a vital role for the Halos in the future.