2017 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #4 OF Mickey Moniak

Mickey Moniak, image- Joe Wombough

Taken with the top overall selection in last year's MLB amateur draft, outfielder Mickey Moniak has garnered a lot of attention as a highly promising talent in the Phillies' developmental ranks.

After signing out of La Costa Canyon High School for a reported $6.1 million, the lefty batting Moniak had a very good professional debut.

In 46 games with the Phillies' Gulf Coast League team, Moniak posted a .284 batting average with 11 doubles, four triples, a home run and 28 RBI.  Additionally, he showed some speed, swiping 10 bases in 14 opportunities.

Following the regular season, Moniak participated in the Florida Instructional League and spent time at the Phillies' training facility in Clearwater, where he worked to add strength and muscle to his six-foot-two 185-pound frame.

At the plate, Moniak, who was committed to play at UCLA prior to the 2016 draft, makes steady, hard contact.  He is touted as a line drive hitter that can stroke the ball to all fields.

Cited for his exceptional tools, the California native is the type of player that fans will love, as he seems to be an energetic grinder on the field with a team-first attitude.  Praised for being mature and composed, the athletic youngster is described as a natural on the baseball field.  He has the make up to be a strong performer that leads by example.

Moniak is a great contributor on defense as well, displaying solid range, an ability to make impossible catches and a strong arm in center field.  

It is likely that Moniak will open the coming season with Class A Lakewood.  He'll turn 19 years old in mid-May.

You can follow along with this year’s Phillies prospects countdown by clicking this link.