Mickey Moniak is emerging as an option in center field for the Philadelphia Phillies this season.

Moniak, the first overall pick back in 2016, has had an up-and-down professional career.

"The struggles and the successes I went through in the Minor Leagues got me to this point," Moniak said. "I feel like I'm in a good position, coming into camp and building off what I've learned the last four or five years playing pro ball, doing everything I can to put myself in a good situation and control what I can control. And after that, you know, it's out of my hands. I'm just ready for the next step."

Odubel Herrera remains the favorite for the job, but Joe Girardi said it is fair to call Moniak a dark-horse candidate.

The Phillies want Moniak to play everyday so he'll either win the starting center job or begin the season at Triple-A.