Rockies Extending Outfielder Mickey Moniak

Despite drawing trade interest, Colorado opted to hold onto the 28-year-old with the hopes that he can play a key role in what the Rockies are trying to build.

Initially drafted first overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2016 MLB Draft, the Rockies signed Moniak to a one-year, $1.25 million deal in March 2025 after the Los Angeles Angels released him before the start of the season.

The move ended up paying off for the Rockies as Moniak slashed .270/.306/.518 with a career-high 24 home runs, 68 RBI and an OPS of .824 in 135 games.

Moniak followed up that impressive campaign by batting .272/.315/.545 with 17 homers and 47 RBI across 75 games. Those numbers also come after he missed the start of this season with a hand injury and later right ankle tendonitis.

While Moniak's name was linked in trade rumors, Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta explained why the ballclub opted to hold onto the outfielder when he spoke to reporters after the deadline.

“I think Mickey’s an important part of what we’re doing here,” DePodesta said. “Again, he had a very good year last year. I think he’s been off to a great start this year. Unfortunately, missed a little time with the injuries, but he is a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat for us. He’s a leader in our clubhouse.

"He’s a veteran. He’s been around a little bit longer. He’s also been in some different organizations, so he knows what it should look like," DePodesta added.

"He also knows sometimes maybe what it shouldn’t look like, which is just as valuable, and that’s important not just for his peers in the clubhouse, but also for me and for Schaeff as we try to shape our culture here. So I think Mickey’s value, both on the field and off the field, is really important to us.”

Despite not trading Moniak, the Rockies did deal fellow outfielder Brenton Doyle to the Chicago White Sox on Monday.

Moniak will now remain in Colorado at least through the 2029 season. He will look to continue proving to be a worthy investment for the Rockies.