It’s been a while ride for Mickey Moniak.
Taken with the first overall pick in the 2016 MLB First Year Player’s Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, things never quite worked out for him in the City of Brotherly Love.
After about two and half seasons, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in a move that saw Noah Synergaard go back to Philly. Moniak found himself a bit in 2023, putting up a 2.2 bWAR campaign before a disappointing 2024 saw him produce an 80 OPS+, about 20 percent below league average. Simply granted release at this point, a Colorado Rockies front office that wasn’t exactly famous for making good moves, made a good move.
They picked up Moniak, brought him to Coors Field, and saw his offense skyrocket. Even the harsh ballpark factors saw him as comfortably above the league average now with a 116 OPS+. So far in 2026, he has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the Rox with a whopping 149 OPS+ the next closest being a 117 from TJ Rumfield.
Suffice it to say that Mickey might well be making a case for the All-Star Game. To be held this year in… Philadelphia.
He’s the latest victim of our 2026 Colorado Rockies Player’s Survey.
What is the most important part of your game day prep?
MM: Getting the body right. Physically and mentally goes hand in hand. Getting the tubs, the stretch, workout, getting in the cage. You know, gets you ready to go into the game and not have to think about whether you’re prepared or not.
DC: Same routine every time?
MM: Every time.
DC: I’m curious about, though, you said being physically ready, but you mentioned mentality as a part of that. So is that about relaxation or intensity or the right balance between the two?
MM: I mean, I definitely want to try to relax. I’m a guy that likes to play pretty even keel. You know, some guys like to get fired up before games and blast music and go out there and they play, you know, they run high. But I’ve realized that trying to stay as mellow as possible is big for me.
DC:The intensity feels more like a relief pitcher type thing.
MM: Yeah, exactly. There’s some, I mean, there’s some guys, Troy Johnston, definitely runs hot. Everyone’s different.
What’s your ideal off day on a road trip?
MM: For a little while I would try to golf. I think the more I played, the more, you know, a lot of these courses we were playing, we’re walking and it’s it’s definitely a little taxing on the body. I try to explore the city, whether it’s just going and getting breakfast or walking around wherever it may be.
What is your favorite play that you made?
MM: Ohh, I mean, I’ve hit a couple walk-offs. I hit a walk off triple here last year. Anything that’s winning the game. A walk off, a go-ahead homer late in the game that ends up being the decision maker, you know? I’ve been fortunate to have a few of them.
Mickey Moniak hits walk-off triple in finale vs. Cubs
What is your favorite play that you’ve ever seen?
MM: I know I’m probably forgetting someone but there’s a couple that come to mind.
MM: You know, seeing Shohei Ohtani go 9 innings and two homers? Yeah, that was pretty special. That guy was crazy being able to watch him up close. And Trout? Everything he did? So, so, so good.I mean, getting to see that? Looking up to him as a kid.
DC: Those are two of the all time greats.
MM: All time greats. Yeah. So no, that was… Yeah, it was cool for sure.
Do you have a favorite baseball quote?
MM: Definitely. “You’re thinking too much, smalls.”
Because that’s… if you’re up in the box thinking about anything besides competing against the pitcher, you’re usually in a bad spot. He’s usually got the upper hand there.
What’s the Yogi Berra quote about 90% mental, other half physical? Yeah that kind of stuff. I think those two quotes just, throughout my career, help me learn how to manage the grind of everything.
