Thu May 22 01:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the text provided:
**Rockies’ Moniak Reflects on Phillies Tenure During Opening Day Return**
DENVER – Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak, once the No. 1 overall pick for the Philadelphia Phillies, found himself in a reflective mood during his return to Citizens Bank Park on Opening Day earlier this season. Now with the Rockies after signing a one-year contract, Moniak watched the pre-game festivities from the visiting team’s dugout, a far cry from his time as a touted prospect within the Phillies organization.
Moniak was drafted by the Phillies in 2016 and spent six years in their system, including parts of three seasons at the major league level. However, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in August 2022, ending his Philadelphia chapter.
“Going back there this year, our second series of the year for their home opener, I kind of reflected during that Opening Day ceremony,” Moniak stated. “I was a part of it one year (2022)… You have seven years of your life that you spend in one organization. Same group of people, same guys coming up in the minor leagues. Obviously miss the guys and miss the coaching staff.”
Moniak’s last year in Philadelphia was a struggle. He was injured in spring training in 2022 with a broken hand, and struggled to get going once he returned. He was eventually traded to the Angels in exchange for Noah Syndergaard.
After being released by the Angels this past March, Moniak quickly signed with the Rockies. The deal came together quickly thanks to his long relationship with Rockies General Manager Bill Schmidt. Despite not living up to the high expectations that came with being the top draft pick, Moniak says he has nothing but respect for the organization that gave him his first shot at the big leagues. “The organization was nothing but good to me, and I have nothing but respect for that organization,” Moniak said. “They do it the right way. I’m just grateful that I got to spend that time there.”
First Piper 