Rockies sign outfielder Moniak to $1.25M one-year deal

The Colorado Rockies bolstered their outfield by coming to terms with Mickey Moniak on a $1.25 million, one-year contract, as disclosed by a source with knowledge of the agreement late Wednesday night.
The information was shared under the condition of anonymity because the details of the deal had not yet been officially publicized. The team confirmed on Thursday that Moniak had indeed been signed and included in the opening-day roster, although they did not provide specifics regarding the contract’s financial aspects.
Moniak, during his previous season with the Los Angeles Angels, achieved a batting average of .219, coupled with 14 home runs and driving in 49 runs.
At 26 years of age, Moniak found himself released by the Angels on Tuesday after successfully contesting the team in salary arbitration. As a consequence, he is set to receive a termination pay of $483,781, as opposed to his intended $2 million salary.
Initially, Moniak was the first overall draft choice by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016. He spent parts of three seasons developing with the Phillies before a trade sent him to the Angels in August 2022 in exchange for pitcher Noah Syndergaard.
In the lead-up to their season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, the Rockies have been making adjustments to their roster. Last weekend, they orchestrated a trade involving outfielder Nolan Jones, who was sent to the Cleveland Guardians in return for infielder/outfielder Tyler Freeman. This strategic move aims to provide greater adaptability, especially vital after the team suffered the loss of Thairo Estrada due to a broken right wrist.