Phillies Select San Diego Teen First in MLB Draft

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Mickey Moniak first in the Major League Baseball draft.

The 18-year-old competed for La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California, where he batted .476, hit seven home runs, and knocked in 46 RBI, and 40 runs this past season. The lefty outfielder won the 2015-16 Gatorade California Baseball Player of the Year. He comes in as the fifth San Diego-area player selected first since 2000.

Moniak lacks slugger-type power but boasts elite hitting and plays the outfield well.

The Phillies last picked first (and first picked first) in 1998, when they selected Pat Burrell. The University of Miami product played twelve years in the majors. He enjoyed a solid career that saw him win two World Series, hit 253 home runs, and knock in 976 runners.

“Collectively, we believe Mickey was the best player available in the draft,” Phillies amateur scouting director Johnny Almaraz commented. “He’s a true center fielder with incredible offensive ability and the potential to be a perennial All-Star.”