SOUTH JORDAN — Rising Star Christian Moore
As infielder Christian Moore of the Salt Lake Bees recounted his impressive four-hit outing from Thursday night, teammate Carter Kieboom playfully leaped onto the first base dugout, tossing a cup of water towards Moore. This light-hearted moment reflects a running theme from Moore’s first week in Triple-A, where teammates celebrated his debut with a water cooler shower earlier in the week. Yet, it’s Moore himself who has really made a mark since his elevation to the minor leagues.
Impressive Performance
On Thursday, Moore was just a triple away from hitting for the cycle, and he celebrated his first Triple-A home run as well — a remarkable shot that reached the green batter’s eye 420 feet away, a first for the venue since its inauguration in April. Over his first 13 at-bats with the Bees, he has accumulated eight hits.
Focus on Consistency
“I’m not concentrating on the stats or any of that,” Moore stated in an interview with KSL.com while relaxing in the team’s dugout prior to Friday’s game. “I aim to be consistent and contribute to the team’s victories. That’s the reason I was called up.” Despite the rapid rise, Moore’s journey to Salt Lake has been a long-awaited achievement.
From New York to the Big Leagues
A New York City native and a lifelong Mets fan, Moore attended games in both Queens and the Bronx. He participated in the Perfect Game youth baseball league throughout his middle and high school summers, where his prowess as a two-way player caught the eye of impressive college programs. Tennessee offered him a scholarship during his freshman year, and he played a pivotal role in the Volunteers’ national championship last year, attracting the attention of MLB scouts. The Angels drafted him as the eighth overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft.
Unexpected Rise to Triple-A
Moore admits that he didn’t envision reaching Triple-A this quickly, but he swiftly ascended through the minors and has begun strong in this final stop on his way to the big leagues. His outstanding performance has swiftly made him the top prospect for the Angels and the 60th overall in baseball.
Striving for All-Around Excellence
Despite going 0-for-3 in Friday’s game, where the Bees triumphed 11-10, Moore still managed to get on base twice, scoring twice. He mentioned, “I aspire to be a well-rounded player and bring something to the team every day, regardless of my hitting success.” He looks to enhance his base running and defensive skills while soaking in insights from the organization’s veterans during his initial spring training.
Looking Ahead
Moore is not preoccupied with a potential big league call-up, choosing instead to focus on his current tasks. He is enjoying his new surroundings in Utah, having already taken a liking to the scenic mountains visible beyond The Ballpark. “I hope to hike one of these days,” he remarked, gazing at the picturesque landscape during his first flight into the area.
