By: Brandon Apter, contributor
12 days after being selected first overall in the 2016 MLB Draft by the Phillies, Mickey Moniak finally got to put on red pinstripes as part of his introductory press conference on Tuesday.
"It's an honor to be in the city of Philadelphia," Moniak said. "Didn't know too much about the city other than the fact that their sports fans are some of the greatest in the world."
"The time in between coming here and the Draft was a relaxing time — just to take a step back and enjoy the time with my friends and family before I went away," Moniak said. "It was relaxing, but it's time to get after it. I'm excited to be here." [Phillies.com]
Moniak is the sixth outfielder since 1986 to be picked first overall, joining the likes of Bryce Harper, Josh Hamilton and Ken Griffey Jr. The last time the Phillies held the number one pick, they selected Pat Burrell, but he was originally listed as a third baseman.
"It's slowly starting to sink in," Moniak said of being the No. 1 pick. "Just an honor to be a No. 1 Draft pick. There's one every year, and to be named with guys like that, guys who have solidified themselves in the big leagues — that's the goal, to make the big leagues." [Phillies.com]
In 29 games this season with La Costa Canyon, Moniak, 18, hit .476/.540/.942 with 40 runs scored, 27 singles, four doubles, 12 triples, seven home runs, 13 walks and 46 runs-batted-in over 124 plate appearances. He struck out just six times, was 11-for-14 in stolen base attempts and committed just one fielding error over 64 chances.
Phillies.com reports that Moniak received a $6.1 million signing bonus. After spending a few days in Philadelphia, Moniak will head to Clearwater and eventually begin his professional career in the Gulf Coast League.
"He's got a very professional approach. He keeps his barrel in the zone a really long time," GM Matt Klentak said of Moniak on Tuesday. "And he just has a unique ability to barrel the ball up, hit the ball to all fields. Very, very comfortable in the box." [CSNPhilly.com]
Up next, the Phillies will look to sign second round pick Kevin Gowdy, who could receive up to $3 million. Philadelphia signing Moniak for less that than the alotted amount for the top pick gives them flexibility with Gowdy, who is currently committed to UCLA. Moniak faced Gowdy once and tripled against him.