The Los Angeles Angels have promoted first-round pick Christian Moore after only two games in Class A. The Athletic’s Sam Blum reported that Moore will skip High-A and head directly to Double-A Rocket City for their games in Biloxi this weekend. The move comes after the No. 8 overall pick went 6-11 with three extra-base hits, including his first career home run, with the club’s Class A affiliate in Inland Empire. The Angels front office saw enough to move Moore up two levels. The promotion continues the Angels recent trend of moving top picks quickly.
Angels Promote First-Round Pick
Angels fans needed something to cheer about after news broke that superstar Mike Trout is out for the season. Yet, Moore’s promotion should come as no surprise to Angels fans. Chase Silseth was the team’s 11th-round pick in 2021, yet he was the first person from that draft class to reach the Major Leagues. He made his debut in May of 2022. The Angels selected Zach Neto with the 13th overall selection of the 2022 Draft, and the young shortstop reached the Majors in April of 2023 after playing a total of 44 games in the minors. The streak continued in 2023 as first-round pick Nolan Schanuel only played 21 games in the minor leagues before the Angels promoted him.
Moore has the tools and makeup to quickly move up the minor league ladder. The 2024 College World Series champion hit .375 with 34 home runs during his final collegiate season. Plus, he is known as a fierce competitor. While Neto and Schanuel were surprise big-league call-ups, Moore won’t be. Immediately upon being selected, the belief was that he would be in Anaheim before too long. Moore has completed step one.
Angels fans do not have a lot to cheer for in 2024. The team is struggling to compete with their AL West counterparts. The Angels deadline strategy was hard to understand. Their best player is on the injured list for the season. Plus, their highest-paid player is too. Yet, their young players are beginning to produce. And, if things go well, the Angels young infield should be expecting reinforcements soon.
Main Photo Credits: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
