Hailing from La Costa Canyon high school in Carlsbad, California, prep outfielder Mickey Moniak has firmly established himself this spring as a certain first round pick, likely to be selected in the top ten. Here's a quick look.
Moniak is a 6-2, 190 pound left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower, born May 13th, 1998. He's been well-known to scouts for years but his stock took a large step forward when he played for Team USA last summer and he's solidified that with a fine spring season in the draft run-up. He is committed to UCLA but at this point it is unlikely that he'll go to school, assuming he is drafted where his talent warrants.
Moniak features a good set of physical tools, with above-average running speed, a solid-average throwing arm, and outstanding outfield defensive instincts. His weakest tool is raw power but he isn't punchless. Most observers consider his swing mechanics to be excellent and he is one of the top pure hitters in the class. There don't seem to be any red flags regarding pitch recognition or strike zone judgment, and scouts have had plenty of opportunities to see him against good competition so there is little guesswork regarding his ability to make adjustments or handle the big stage.
Although it remains to be seen how much home run power Moniak will develop as he matures, plenty of doubles, triples, and a high batting average combined with excellent defense seem like a safe bet. Barring some kind of May disaster he is a certain first round pick and likely in the top ten.
