Former Tennessee baseball star Christian Moore is making the most of his opportunity in the minor leagues. The second baseman was drafted No. 8 overall by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2024 MLB Draft. Although he has only played three games professionally, he has already made an immediate impact.
Moore finished his final season on Rocky Top, hitting .375 with 34 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 19 doubles. He also set the Vols' program record for career home runs with 61 home runs over 186 career games.
After only two games with the Angels' Single-A affiliate, the Inland Empire 66ers, Moore was called up to Double-A in the Angels' minor league organization. In his two games with the 66ers, Moore went 6-for-11 at the plate with one home run, two doubles, and six RBIs.
Moore didn't expect to be called up so soon. When interviewed about his promotion to Double-A, he said he was shocked when he received the call.
"I didn't really know what was happening," Moore said. "I didn't plan on it. I was just playing to win and trying to help the team be its best. I was definitely surprised and a little nervous, so it was a whirlwind of a day."
Moore didn't rest between his trip from Single-A to Double-A. On Saturday afternoon, he made his debut with the Rocket City Trash Pandas and hit his first home run with his new team.
WATCH IT GO, CMO!
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) August 4, 2024
CHRISTIAN MOORE GOES DEEP IN HIS FIRST GAME AS A TRASH PANDA! pic.twitter.com/SNhifSDmAN
The Angels organization received mixed reactions from fans about Moore's call-up. Some fans were concerned that Moore's early promotion could hurt him. Moore silenced many critics with his debut home run on Saturday night.
Moore finished the game on Saturday, going two-for-four with one home run. After three games in his professional career, Moore is hitting 8-for13 with two home runs, two doubles, and seven RBIs. That's a small sample size, but he is undoubtedly starting his minor league career the same way he ended his college baseball career.