Tennessee Baseball’s Christian Moore Finds Great Fit with Los Angeles Angels
Christian Moore, Tennessee baseball’s first player selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, was picked No. 8 overall by the Los Angeles Angels. Moore is the first Tennessee player to be drafted in the top ten during the Tony Vitello era and the fourth since 1990, joining Nick Senzel, Chris Burke, and Todd Helton.
In 2024, Moore, an All-American, hit .375 with 34 home runs and 74 RBIs. He also set Tennessee’s career home run record with 61 homers over three seasons.
The Brooklyn, New York native will join former teammates Ben Joyce and Zach Joyce in the Angels organization. Ben has become one of the top relievers in the Angels’ bullpen, while Zach is playing in the Angels’ Single-A team.
After being drafted, Moore delivered a speech thanking his family, teammates, and “the GOAT” Tony Vitello, and confidently stated he would “for sure” win a World Series. Despite the Angels’ recent struggles, this could be an excellent fit for Moore. He will need to develop in the minors, but he is expected to progress through the organization’s ranks over the next few years.
If Ron Washington remains the Angels’ head coach when Moore makes his major league debut, it could be an ideal situation. Washington has a strong track record of developing middle infielders, having helped players like Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson with the Atlanta Braves. Washington also improved Austin Riley’s defense, transitioning him from right field to a premier third baseman.
Moore’s defensive skills were a concern during Tennessee’s national championship run, but his offensive prowess is undeniable. If Moore can improve his defense under Washington’s guidance, he could become the Angels’ future second baseman.
A positive sign for Moore is that the Angels’ last two first-round picks have already made it to the majors. The Angels have focused on drafting college players ready for MLB action, which has worked well with 2022 first-round pick Zach Neto and 2023 first-round pick Nolan Schanuel. If this trend continues, Moore could reach the majors sooner rather than later.
Additionally, being drafted by the Angels allows Tennessee fans to see Moore play professionally before he reaches the big leagues. The Angels’ Double-A team, the Rocket City Trash Pandas, is based in Huntsville, Alabama, not far from Tennessee. This is where Moore is expected to play many of his games for the rest of the 2024 season.
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