The Angels are calling up second base prospect Christian Moore, as first reported by @kat_wrldd and confirmed by a number of retailers. The Halos optioned rookie outfielder Matthew Lugo throughout right now’s off day, based on the MLB.com transaction log. They might want to make a 40-man roster transfer tomorrow.
This sort of aggressive promotion for prime prospects is par for the course for the Angels. They skew extraordinarily in the direction of the school aspect within the draft and push their most proficient minor leaguers as rapidly as any group. Every of the Halos’ previous three first-round picks (Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel and Moore) had been faculty hitters who had been within the majors throughout the opening half of their first full skilled season. Neto was drafted in 2022 and promoted the next April. Schanuel went from Florida Atlantic to the large leagues inside two months through the ’23 season.
Whereas Moore took the longest of the three, he’s now slated for his MLB debut round 11 months after being chosen. A Tennessee product, he impressed newbie scouts by hitting .375 with 34 homers throughout his junior season with the Vols. Evaluators have had considerations about his protection, however he has an opportunity to offer uncommon energy from an up-the-middle place.
The Halos virtually instantly pushed Moore to Double-A, the place he hit .322 with 5 homers in 23 video games throughout his draft yr. That established him as the highest offensive participant in a weak Halos farm system. He ranked among the many sport’s prime 100 abilities over the winter at every of Baseball America, MLB Pipeline and ESPN.
Moore returned to Double-A to open this season. He bought out to a tough begin in a pitcher-friendly setting. The righty hitter solely managed one homer whereas placing out at a 27.4% clip via 146 plate appearances. The Angels nonetheless moved him to Triple-A Salt Lake on Might 13. Moore has thrived within the far more favorable Pacific Coast League, gathering 4 homers whereas hitting .350 in 20 video games. He has posted consecutive multi-hit video games with a house run in every of his two most up-to-date outings.
It’s a tiny pattern, nevertheless it was sufficient to persuade the ever-aggressive Halos entrance workplace to convey him up. There’s a comparatively low bar to clear to improve the second base place. Chris Taylor went on the injured checklist on Tuesday with a damaged left hand. Luis Rengifo has principally been filling in at third base for the injured Yoán Moncada. The Halos have given Scott Kingery three of the previous 4 begins at second base. He has had a monster season in Salt Lake however has performed seven MLB video games because the begin of the 2022 marketing campaign.
The Angels have hung round .500 via the season’s first few months. They’ve been outscored by 50 runs, however they’re coming off a sweep of the A’s that pulled them again into second place within the AL West. They’ll hope for Moore to offer an offensive spark. He joins Jac Caglianone, Nick Kurtz and Cam Smith as members of final yr’s first spherical to achieve the large leagues. He’s the second member of the Halos’ 2024 class to get there. Second-rounder Ryan Johnson broke camp within the bullpen earlier than being optioned to Excessive-A final month.
Moore meets the eligibility for the Prospect Promotion Incentive. He’d earn a full yr of service time if he manages an extended shot prime two end in Rookie of the 12 months balloting. (The Angels wouldn’t obtain a choose in that situation.) Moore would in any other case stay beneath membership management for at the least a full six seasons after this one. That timeline may very well be delayed if he requires any extra time within the minors after his first take a look at MLB pitching.
Picture courtesy of Imagn Photos.
