Angels’ Christian Moore Is Driven To Make Opening Day Roster
Angels first-rounders Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel were the first players from the 2022 and 2023 drafts, respectively, to reach the big leagues. Now, 2024 first-rounder appears destined to follow suit.
Drafted eighth overall out of Tennessee, Christian Moore drew one step closer he was announced as a non-roster invite to big league spring training.
The 22-year-old second baseman knew his pace could be quick, but not as fast as it was.
“I knew I got drafted into an organization where I can move up fast if I perform well, but I didn’t think it was going to be two days,” Moore said of his time at Low-A Inland Empire after the draft.
He continued his hot start with Double-A Rocket City, hitting five home runs in 23 games and slashing .322/.378/.533. Speculation that Moore would reach Anaheim before the end of the 2024 season were squashed after he suffered a left meniscus injury that sidelined him for two weeks.
“Any time you take a guy you want him to go out and do well,” Angels scouting director Tim McIlvaine said, “and I thought (Christian) did as well as you could.”
Moore spent his first professional offseason facing live pitching and taking ground balls at a new position: third base, which he began playing at instructional league.
“I want to go (to camp) and prove to them that I had a good offseason and leave it up to God—and the work I put in—and see where they put me,” Moore said.
Angels second basemen produced the least offense in the majors in 2024. Third base wasn’t much more productive for Los Angeles, and the club has said that incumbent Anthony Rendon will have to “earn a spot” despite his hefty contract.
The Angels signed veteran infielders Yoan Moncada and Kevin Newman to compete for starting jobs, but Moore is solidly in the mix. He may be young, but he is confident.
“Truthfully, that’s all I think about,” Moore said of reaching the majors. “That’s my goal. I feel like if you don’t (want it), you’re selling yourself short. If you get that invite, you’re trying to make the club.”
