The Philadelphia Phillies signed first overall pick Mickey Moniak on Monday, and saved some money in the process.
Moniak, a high-school outfielder from California, signed with Philadelphia for $6.1 million, almost three million below the first pick’s slot value of $9.015 million.
With their savings, the Phillies stand a better chance of signing more high-school picks away from their college commitments. According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, second-round pick Kevin Gowdy could be the major beneficiary of this deal. He’s expected to sign significantly over slot.
While the fact Moniak signed under his slot value implies a lower ceiling, it’s worth remembering that Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros signed $2.4 million under slot as the first pick in 2012 and is already a franchise shortstop at age 21.
Moniak is a centre fielder with the ability to make consistent contact and use his legs to excel in the field and on the bases. In 29 games with La Costa Canyon High School last season he hit .476/.540/.942 with seven home runs, 12 triples and 46 RBI.