If there was ever a time to keep integrating more of the youth, it is now for the Los Angeles Angels. The youth movement could’ve been sped up a bit if they opted to trade Shohei Ohtani, but we don’t have to revisit that. But for the Angels, they are going to give one of their prospects a hard look.

It has been reported by Jeff Fisher of the Orange County Register that prospect Christian Moore will get reps at third base this spring training. This is huge for him, but does make sense in the long term outlook.

Seizing the Role

There is a good reason why he will get a look at the third base position. You never want to see a player get hurt, but Anthony Rendon is having surgery and will be out long term. Rendon has had a hard time staying on the field for the Angels since signing his mega contract. The Angels have used more players at third base since signing him than the Nationals have since losing him. Add Moore to that mix.

The players that could be eye balling that position are Yoan Moncada, who signed the deal in the offseason, but he also comes with injury history. The Angels do have different utility players they could use at the position, such as Luis Rengifo (who is the projected second base starter) and Newman.

But this is a perfect chance for Moore and a perfect chance for the Angels to integrate their impactful youth.

Moore Helps Continue the Youth Movement

This wouldn’t be the first time that the Angels have implemented the youth. They’ve managed to bring up Noel Schanuel, who is 23 years old and is the starting first baseman. Schanuel got a small sample in 2023, but played 147 games in 2024. He is a good player, generates his walks, doesn’t have a high strikeout rate, and is a league average bat. Continue that movement with Moore.

Moore was drafted in 2024. He played a crucial role in helping Tennessee win the Championship and had a monstrous season. He saw a major improvement from 2023, with his batting average rising to .375 from .304, his slugging rising from .603 to .797, and his OPS from 1.046 to 1.248. He showed raw power at the plate and was huge and it went on to carry into the Angels’ minor league system.

Moore raked in Single-A. He was hitting .500 and had an OPS of 1.583, showing he was clearly ready to move on up. After just two games in Single-A, he did a good job in Double-A. Moore hit six home runs and drove in 20 runs. Heck, he hit five in the two games in Single-A. Moore was still an effective batter, hitting .347 and still had an OPS north of .900. Moore has the tools to be an effective player and would give the Angels quite the boost they need.

Angels Could Be Fun to Watch

The Angels likely won’t be the greatest team in baseball, but they could be fun to watch. They have players that make you want to tune in. Mike Trout hopefully can stay on the field, as he is tune in baseball. Ben Joyce is a machine out of the bullpen and packs mean velocity behind him. Add Christian Moore to the mix, and this team can be fun.

They made moves such as Yusei Kikuchi, Jorge Soler, Travis D’Arnaud, and even Tim Anderson was brought in on a minor league deal. Moore easily makes this lineup better and gives the Angels and athletic and dynamic player on the field. He’s proven himself so far, so let’s see how it plays out.