That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: 5 potential left field candidates for 2021

By David Esser

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares for a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch on February 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares for a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch on February 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 22: Mickey Moniak #78 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during the Spring Training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. The game ended in an 8-8 tie. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 22: Mickey Moniak #78 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during the Spring Training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. The game ended in an 8-8 tie. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Mickey Moniak

Despite the universal groan that the phrase “Phillies’ farm system” seems to invoke from Phillies fans, the organization has actually done some serious work over the last few years when it comes to rebuilding their system. Players like Alec Bohm, Spencer Howard, and Bryson Stott have all been universally recognized as some of the best prospects in MLB.

One name that has not been so kindly received however is that of Mickey Moniak. Selected with the first overall pick in 2016, many have been quick to write him off as a major “bust”. Hitting just .236 during his first year of single-A ball, it’s not hard to see why people are already not counting on Moniak to produce in the majors anytime soon.

However, since his disappointing debut in the minors, Moniak has steadily begun improving as a player. He hit .270 in 2018, and then saw his power skyrocket during the 2019 AA season. In 119 games Moniak hit 28 doubles, 13 triples, 11 home runs, and posted a .741 OPS. He knocked in 67 RBIs while also stealing 15 total bases, flashing some of that elite athleticism that he was drafted for.

Moniak is still an extremely raw product, and has a lot to prove before the team likely even considers him a major league option. However, as he continues to fill out his frame and grow into the player he was meant to be, it’s not a crazy thought to assume the Phillies would like to see some sort of contribution from their former first overall draft pick. Turning 22 on May 13, Moniak still has plenty of time to develop into a starting outfielder by 2021.

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