It was a different kind of trade deadline for Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak. Instead of being dealt to his third team in five years, Moniak was instead on the verge of an extension that will keep him with the same club for the next two years.On Tuesday, the Rockies made it official, having agreed to terms with Moniak on a two-year deal that will keep him in Colorado through the 2028 season. The deal, which is worth $16.25 million, buys out his final year of arbitration and adds one year. He will become a free agent following his age-30 season.A former No. 1 overall pick by the Phillies out of La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, Calif., Moniak struggled heavily in his first three-plus seasons in Philadelphia. Moniak slashed .129/.214/.172, an OPS+ of 9 (91 points below league average), over 47 games with the Phillies before the club dealt him to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Noah Syndergaard.
It wasn’t until 2023 that Moniak began showing flashes of the promise that followed him out of high school and onto prospect lists. Over 85 games, he posted a 114 OPS+, with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs, accumulating 2.2 bWAR.However, he took a step back in 2024, leading the Angels to release him the following spring training. Moniak then signed a one-year pact with the Rockies, where he immediately posted his best offensive season yet, a 116 OPS+ in 135 games.This year, he’s been able to repeat his performance and then some, owning a 122 OPS+ over 74 games at the start of play on Monday. While his defense leaves much to be desired, Moniak offers versatility at all three outfield positions. That’s especially valuable after the Rockies dealt two-time Gold Glove winner Brenton Doyle to the White Sox on Monday, leaving an added need for flexibility.A benefactor of the elevation at Coors Field, Moniak has a career .982 OPS in Colorado. His new deal will ensure he can continue to benefit from that thin air, this time as a veteran.Aug 4, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
