Phillies top prospect Mickey Moniak now a top-10 OF prospect
Phillies prospect Mickey Moniak continues to rise in the ranks of baseball’s top prospects despite a down season
Phillies fans have reasons to be worried over top prospect Mickey Moniak, a high school outfielder the team drafted number one overall in 2016. A player who prides himself on hitting Moniak finished his first full season with Single-A Lakewood with a .236 batting average and over 100 strikeouts.
Despite the lack of productivity MLB Pipeline decided to promote Philadelphia’s top prospect into the ranks of their top outfielders.
With Yankees slugger Clint Frazier surpassing his rookie status with 130 at-bats there was room on the top-10 outfield prospect list. The former number one overall pick filled that void.
Moniak is now rated as the 10th best outfield prospect in baseball, and the 28th prospect overall.
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It’s important to remember Moniak is only 19-years-old and had never played above high school level talent. He’s now a full-time baseball player; that’s a major adjustment for anyone, regardless of the pressure being placed on them.
While MLB Pipeline also projects Moniak to reach the majors by 2019, it may be time to pump the breaks just a touch. Phillies general manager Matt Klentak is historically wary of promoting young prospects through the organization, although the success of Rhys Hoskins and Jorge Alfaro may have swayed him.
Moniak is unlike previous number one overall pick Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, or Dansby Swanson who rocketed through the minors. He’s still growing, which will lead to adjustments in his swing and overall game.
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If the Phillies see Moniak as the center fielder of the future, and not Odubel Herrera, they can take their time. Herrera isn’t the worst option to hold down the fort in center considering he has batting title and Gold Glove capabilities.
If the outfield of the future evolves into 2017 first round pick Adam Haseley in left, Moniak in center and Nick Williams in right, it’s the start of a beautiful, young core.