The mystery and intrigue is finally over, as the Phillies selected outfielder Mickey Moniak La Costa Canyon High School in California with the first pick in the 2016 MLB amateur draft.
The lefty swinging Moniak has big time offensive upside. He is said to sport considerable bat speed and gets his stick through the zone with noteworthy torque, both in his hips as well as his arms. He drives the ball well to all fields. Additionally, Moniak, who stands six-foot-two and weights 190 pounds, is strong defensively as a center fielder.
Praised for being mature and composed, the athletic Moniak, described as a natural on the baseball field, has the make up to be a strong performer along with a modest star that leads by example.
This year marked just the second time in their history that the Phillies had the top pick in the draft. The previous time was 1998 when they took Pat Burrell out of Miami.
Last year’s top pick by the Phillies, Cornelius Randolph (taken 10th overall), is currently on the disabled list for Class A Lakewood with a shoulder strain. In 12 games this year, the 19-year-old sports a .240 average with five doubles, a home run and five RBI for the BlueClaws.
The last outfielder selected first overall was Bryce Harper in 2010.
The Phillies’ second pick in the draft comes at 42nd overall.
This year’s draft continues for 40 total rounds through Saturday.
