Top Los Angeles Angels prospect Christian Moore is soaking up his first MLB spring training experience, but fans anticipate his major league debut. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
TEMPE – From a national championship to a top-10 draft selection, Christian Moore is poised to become the next cornerstone of the Los Angeles Angels’ future.
Selected eighth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Moore starred as a second baseman for the Tennessee Volunteers, where he emerged as one of college baseball’s brightest stars. Now he looks to meet big-league expectations as the Angels’ top prospect.
The anticipation of his major league debut stems from a .375 batting average, 34 home runs, 111 hits and 1.248 OPS Moore compiled during his final collegiate season while becoming the second player to hit for the cycle in the College World Series during the Volunteers’ championship-winning run.
“It was a dream come true, and I was so excited that my whole family and loved ones were there by my side,” Moore said of his selection in the draft. “It was a surreal moment and being there at the draft and getting to go up there and meet the commissioner, it happened all so fast and I wish I got to soak it all in a little more.”
Moore appeared to be on a fast track to the big leagues after leaving Tennessee. He played in only two games with the Angels’ Inland Empire Class A club in the California League last season before being promoted to the club’s Double-A Southern League Rocket City Trash Pandas in Madison, Alabama.
Despite being sidelined by a meniscus injury in Double-A, he hit .347 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 25 minor league games. However, that success has not carried over to the Cactus League this spring. After a hot start in February, Moore has cooled off and is batting only .222 with 10 hits and four RBI.
“It was tough in college, there is great competition in the SEC, and when you get to pro ball you see great arms every day,” Moore said. “Obviously being here in spring training facing big league arms, it’s more intense, but I’m having a lot of fun and happy I get to play here and perform at the highest level.”
Moore brings something that this Angels franchise needs – and that’s championship aspirations. He immediately showcased his winner’s mentality on draft night with a bold statement.
“I’m a winner and I’m a competitor,” Moore said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next couple of years, but I promise you, I’ll get a ring for sure. It’s in my blood.”
Bold because the Angels haven’t made the playoffs in the last 10 years or won a playoff game since 2009. They last appeared in, and won, a World Series in 2002 against the San Francisco Giants.
The Angels have plenty of depth and young talent on the roster. Luis Rengifo, Tim Anderson, and Kevin Newman are expected to platoon at second base during the regular season, leaving Moore without a roster spot on Opening Day.
While there has been some speculation that Moore could move to the outfield to start the season, it is more likely that he will be sent down to the minor leagues for more fine-tuning.
Despite his spring training struggles at the plate, the team continues to have high expectations for Moore.
“I see him making quick adjustments and learning every day,” said Angels manager Ron Washington. “If he keeps listening, learning, and applying, then there is no ceiling for Christian.”
The Angels’ young middle infield of Moore and shortstop Zach Neto could pose problems for Angels’ opponents in the future. But for now, after dueling in college, Neto is offering a helping hand during camp and building chemistry for when the time comes that the two anchor the lineup for years to come.
“It’s all about having fun, and I got to play against him in college and see the type of player that he is,” Neto said. “His locker is next to mine here, and we talk every day about baseball and non-baseball stuff and really developing that relationship. So when that time comes, it will be easy.”