In Anaheim, California, the Los Angeles Angels made a significant roster move on Tuesday by releasing outfielder Mickey Moniak. Despite securing a win in salary arbitration, Moniak was let go and will receive a termination pay of $483,781 rather than his previously determined $2 million salary.
According to the collective bargaining agreement effective from 2022, the salaries of players eligible for arbitration that are settled in this manner are not guaranteed, unlike those agreed upon without arbitration. Players with non-guaranteed contracts released within the 15 days prior to the season opener are entitled to 45 days of termination pay.
Previously, similar cases occurred with New York Mets pitcher Phil Bickford and San Francisco Giants third baseman J.D. Davis, both of whom were released during spring training following arbitration victories.
In other roster news, the Angels made several agreements and assignments. Infielder Nicky Lopez signed a one-year contract worth $850,000. Left-handed pitchers José Quijada and Angel Perdomo were designated for assignment, while the contracts of shortstop Tim Anderson and right-handed pitcher Ryan Johnson were selected. Anderson, earning a $1.25 million salary in the major leagues, aims to make an impact this season after previously winning the AL batting title in 2019 and being named an All-Star with the Chicago White Sox in 2021 and 2022.
Ryan Johnson, who was picked in the second round of the last year’s amateur draft after playing for Dallas Baptist, is poised to join major league ranks without any minor league appearances. If achieved, he will join the ranks of Garrett Crochet and Mike Leake, pitchers who have accomplished the same rarity since 2001.
Despite previously having a disappointing season with the Miami Marlins, Anderson—hampered by lower back tightness last year—hopes to rebound and contribute to the Angels’ efforts significantly.
Moniak, who hit .219 with 14 homers and 49 RBIs for the Angels last season, was involved in a trade from the Philadelphia Phillies in August 2022. He posted a .242 average with 100 RBIs and a .709 OPS during his time with Los Angeles, making his release particularly surprising as he was expected to split center field duties with Jo Adell.
His departure seems to pave the way for Matthew Lugo, an outfielder obtained from Boston at the trade deadline last year in exchange for reliever Luis GarcÃa. Although Lugo has no major league experience, he might get his chance to shine this season.
The Angels are set to begin their season on Thursday with an away game against the Chicago White Sox. They aim to end their frustrating streak of nine consecutive losing seasons and ten years without a playoff appearance.
