Angels' Christian Moore aims to refine his swing after a rookie season of challenges
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Last spring, Christian Moore, brimming with confidence, embarked on his professional journey with the Angels, convinced he possessed the skills to succeed in the major leagues. Fast forward a year, and Moore now understands the true demands of the sport.
"Last year, I felt like I was just training for it," Moore admitted. "But this year, with 50 games under my belt, I've grasped the intensity of daily competition and the mindset and physical condition required. It was a game-changer to have that experience heading into the offseason."
At 23, Moore is a strong contender for the everyday second baseman role, yet he must prove himself against seasoned veterans like Adam Frazier, Chris Taylor, and Nick Madrigal, as well as up-and-coming talent such as Kyren Paris. The Angels are also experimenting with Moore at third base, recognizing the potential benefits when the oft-injured Yoán Moncada is sidelined.
Moore, the eighth pick in the 2024 draft, brings a promising pedigree to the table. However, his rookie season in 2025 revealed some rough patches, including a .198 batting average, a .655 OPS, seven home runs, and a 34% strikeout rate (compared to the major league average of 22%).
To address these shortcomings, Moore has been working on shortening his swing during the winter.
"I got a bit too big in my swing last year," Moore explained. "I wasn't trying to hit home runs, but I was definitely aiming for power. However, these pitchers throw the ball hard, and if I can just make solid contact, I can be effective. I'm focusing on shortening my swing and seeing what happens."
Manager Kurt Suzuki offered a practical perspective, emphasizing the importance of experience over technical adjustments.
"It's all about being in significant situations," Suzuki advised. "We see the talent in Christian. It's just a matter of getting the necessary practice. He's putting in the hard work every day."
Suzuki, however, was cautious about setting a timeline for Moore's development, acknowledging that players progress at their own pace.
"Players develop at their own pace," Suzuki noted. "We'll see how Christian performs during this training camp and assess his progress."
While Angels fans await Moore's transformation, an opposing manager, Tony Vitello, who coached Moore at the University of Tennessee, offers a more definitive outlook.
"I believe Christian can become a player that opposing teams will strategize against because he's a constant challenge," Vitello said. "One reason for this is his adaptability. He approaches each at-bat with a thoughtful strategy. When he's in the cage, his practice sessions are purposeful, designed to devise a game plan for success."
Reflecting on Moore's development at Tennessee, Vitello anticipates that last season's experience will serve as a catalyst for his growth.
"It's beneficial for him to get his feet wet in professional baseball, as it's a longer-term commitment than college ball," Vitello explained. "Christian was a joy to watch evolve, and we couldn't have won the national championship without him."
NOTES
Suzuki shared that right-handers Ben Joyce and Robert Stephenson require continued bullpen sessions before facing hitters. Despite this, he remains optimistic about their recovery from injuries. "Ben and Stephenson are eager to return, and that's a positive sign," Suzuki said. "They're both feeling good and excited about their progress."
Right-hander Caden Dana, however, has been limited by an illness that has persisted throughout the first two weeks of spring training. "He's not engaging in strenuous workouts," Suzuki reported. "He's just playing catch and heading home."
