2025 Spring Moves: Lou Trivino Selected, Mickey Moniak Released

With two days left before the start of the 2025 regular season, teams are continuing to finalize their rosters. The Giants are giving a former Athletics reliever a fresh start after losing two years to elbow injuries. Meanwhile in Southern California, the Angels are cutting ties with outfielder Mickey Moniak.

Moniak released by Angels

The Angels are reportedly releasing outfielder Mickey Moniak, per ESPN. The Angels will only owe him $333,333 of the $2MM salary he earned in arbitration.

It ends Moniak’s run with the Angels, one that started in August 2022 when Los Angeles acquired him for Noah Syndergaard. The 26-year-old had a solid 2023 as a platoon player, hitting .280/.307/.495 (.802 OPS) with 14 home runs over 323 plate appearances.

However, Moniak posted worse numbers (.646 OPS) over a larger sample size (418 PA) last season.

Moniak’s name was among the contenders who could slot in at center field with Mike Trout now in right. The only outfielder left on the Angels’ roster who makes the most sense to fit in that position is Jo Adell.

As to what any team acquiring the former first overall pick is getting with Moniak, the 26-year-old is a speedy outfielder with pop — but with flaws. One, Moniak’s never been effective against left-handed pitching. Last season, Moniak hit .182/.229/.273 (.502 OPS) in 35 appearances against lefties.

Two, Moniak is an egregious chaser. He swung at pitches out of the zone last season at a clip of 39.7%, ranking him among the worst four percent of the league.

Trivino selected by Giants

Lou Trivino is back in the Bay Area. Trivino had his contract officially selected by the Giants on March 25, rounding out how the team’s pitching staff will look to begin in 2025. The Giants confirmed this week that Landon Roupp would be in the rotation, leaving Hayden Birdsong in the bullpen.

Trivino, a former Athletic, dealt with elbow problems in 2023 and 2024. He pitched extremely well with the Giants in the spring, as Trivino threw nine scoreless innings and struck out 10.

San Francisco designated infielder David Villar for assignment.