In a move that screams “because we can,” a certain MLB franchise just sent a multimillion-dollar player packing mere moments before the season’s first pitch. The decision, as swift as it was baffling, raises the question—was this a bold strategic play or just another episode of front-office chaos? Either way, someone just lost a hefty paycheck.
The Los Angeles Angels just let go of Mickey Moniak! That’s what Jeff Passan reported through his X handle. “The Los Angeles Angels are releasing outfielder Mickey Moniak, sources tell ESPN. They owe him $333,333 — one-sixth of the $2 million salary he won in an arbitration hearing over the winter. Similar situation to J.D. Davis’ last spring. Arb settlements are guaranteed. Not cases.”
The Angels will have to pay Moniak $333,333 as a part of the arbitration hearing he won.
This release does not come as a surprise to many fans. In the last 2 years with the Angels, he has just 173 hits with only 28 home runs and 94 RBIs. His batting average was a mere 246 with an OBP of .286.
With numbers like those, it’s hardly shocking that the Angels decided to cut their losses—though the timing is pure spectacle. Paying Moniak a fraction of his arbitration winnings feels like a clearance sale on dashed expectations. Whether this was a calculated roster move or just another swing-and-miss by the front office, one thing’s certain: Opening Day drama came early this year.
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