Angels prospect Christian Moore has primarily been a second baseman however he will probably be getting some work at third base in camp, supervisor Ron Washington tells Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
Moore, 22, was solely drafted final summer time. On most golf equipment, that might make him a protracted shot to crack the main league roster, however the Angels have been very aggressive in selling their prime picks. First baseman Nolan Schanuel was drafted in July of 2023 and was up within the present by the center of August, simply over a month later. Shortstop Zach Neto was drafted in 2022 however was up within the majors lower than a 12 months later, getting promoted in mid-April 2023.
Fletcher provides that Moore was nearly promoted in September of final 12 months earlier than hurting his knee, so a 2025 debut would seem like firmly on the desk. Chosen eighth total in final 12 months’s draft, he had hit 61 house runs in 186 video games over three years on the College of Tennessee, producing a line of .338/.447/.698.
After the draft, the Angels put him into two video games at Single-A after which 23 contests on the Double-A stage. He hit a mixed .347/.400/.584 in these minor league contests. He solely performed one recreation within the month of September due to that aforementioned knee damage.
After he recovered, the Angels gave him some work at third base within the tutorial league. Throughout his time in Single-A and Double-A, he solely performed second base. That was his main place at Tennessee as effectively, although he did see some restricted time at shortstop and within the outfield. He performed one recreation at third base within the Cape Cod League in 2022.
“He performs third base fairly good,” Washington mentioned. “It’s large open. It’s freelancing at third base. Second base, he’s acquired to make selections. That’s what I need to see at second base, the kind of selections he makes. Third base, you do or don’t, you’ll otherwise you received’t.”
Diversifying his defensive talent set would give Moore one other path to the large leagues. The Angels mission to have Luis Rengifo as their common second baseman. He can play different spots however he’s been on the keystone most frequently. At third base, Anthony Rendon goes to be on the injured checklist for an prolonged time frame following hip surgical procedure. The Angels signed Yoán Moncada to take over on the sizzling nook, although he has an in depth damage historical past of his personal. He has solely acquired into greater than 104 video games in a season thrice in his nine-year profession, the latest occasion being again in 2021.
If Moore seems to be able to holding down third base and Moncada will get bit by the damage bug once more, then maybe the Angels will give Moore consideration there. Different choices would come with Kevin Newman or Scott Kingery, who’re on the roster, in addition to non-roster invitees like J.D. Davis or Tim Anderson. With Rengifo’s means to maneuver to 3rd, these guys may probably play second.
Even when Moore takes the third base job sooner or later this 12 months, that may probably be a short-term proposition. Rengifo is slated without cost company at season’s finish. Assuming the Halos nonetheless suppose the keystone is Moore’s long-term house, it ought to be obtainable to him. Moncada can be on a one-year deal, so taking up third can be doable in the event that they suppose he’s a greater match there. Rendon is underneath contract via 2026 however he hasn’t performed greater than 58 video games in a season since 2019 and the Angels don’t appear dedicated to giving him taking part in time even when he recovers from his surgical procedure.
