Spring training is the ideal time for positional experiments, and the Los Angeles Angels have holes all around the diamond that lend themselves to this kind of approach. That’s particularly true in the infield where the holes are at second and third, and infielder Christian Moore is a primary candidate to fill one of them.
Which one, though? Moore has been considered the leader at second base, and Angels would love to see him grab the job. But they’re also trying him out at third with Yoan Moncada playing in the WBC, and Moore’s audition at the hot corner is already underway.
The Angels gave Moore 4-1/3 innings at third last Saturday after subbing Moncada out of the game, and new manager Kurt Suzuki has said Moore could get another start there this week, according to Anthony Franco of MLBTradeRumors.com.
This move makes sense for a number of reasons. It was discussed during the winter, so Moore had time to prepare for it, and it would make it easier to carry a veteran like Adam Frazier or Nick Madrigal for depth over at second.
It also makes sense given Moore’s build, makeup and power potential. According to San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello, who was Moore’s college coach at Tennessee from 2022-24, Moore “looks like an NFL safety” at 6'1" 210 pounds, according to a report from Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.
Vitello also added that the infielder tends to get “aggravated” when he’s not starting every day, so hopefully this move will help him get in rhythm. The manager described him as one of the more cerebral players he’s coached, according to Bollinger, and Suzuki recognizes the potential.
“The talent is crazy, but it’s just getting reps,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “The guy's working hard every day. He's communicating, which is a huge thing for him. But with Christian, you don't ever put a timetable on it because players develop at their own pace.”
Moore also profiles better defensively as a corner infielder, so he could replace Moncada if the latter gets hurt, and Moncada is currently on a one-year deal that would allow Moore to step in at third if the experiment works out. He’s considered average at best as a middle infielder, but he could be better than that at third if he’s given time and proper tutelage.
The big variable with Moore is his offense. He has power, and Moore already showcased it in spring training, hitting his first home run off San Diego Padres starter Michael King. But Moore also strikes out a lot, and he’s already whiffed six times in just 17 at-bats, although he is hitting .294 with a .333 OPB going into today’s action. If he can cut that rate to a more nominal number, he could represent a solution at either position going forward.