Angels sign top Draft pick Christian Moore

OAKLAND — The Angels agreed to terms with infielder Christian Moore on a signing bonus worth $4,997,500 on Friday, just five days after the club selected him with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Moore, the No. 13-ranked Draft prospect by MLB Pipeline, is coming off an incredible junior season with the University of Tennessee. The second baseman led all of NCAA Division I with 111 hits and 236 total bases, while his 34 homers set a season record for the Volunteers.

But it’s an underslot deal for Moore, as the pick had a recommended value of $6,502,800. It allows the Angels to use that saved money elsewhere on other players to sign them for above their recommended slot value.

They already did that with fifth-rounder Dylan Jordan, agreeing to terms on a $1,245,500 bonus, which was above the slot value of $480,800. They also saved on second-rounder Chris Cortez, agreeing to terms on a $1,597,500 bonus, which was lower than the slot value of $2,072,800. Colorado prep right-hander Trey Gregory-Alford, taken in the 11th round, is another candidate to sign for a large bonus.

Angels manager Ron Washington is familiar with Moore, having worked with the youngster as part of the MLB Develops program when Moore was a teenager. Moore said their interactions had a huge impact on him, after Washington was brought in as an infield coach.

“They brought me in as an infield coach and I did some work with him and I’m looking forward to seeing him again,” Washington said. “I’m certainly looking forward to working with him and [infield coach Ryan Goins].”

Moore, 21, could be another quick riser to the Majors, much like 2022 first-rounder Zach Neto and 2023 first-rounder Nolan Schanuel. The Angels don’t want to put any extra pressure on Moore to get to the big leagues in a hurry, but Moore said on Draft day Sunday that that’s his goal. He’s seen action all over the diamond, but second base is considered his best position, while power is his best tool.

“I want to be able to compete at the highest level as fast as I can,” said Moore, who attended the Draft in person with his family in Texas. “We haven’t really talked that much about it. But if I get the opportunity, I’m going to try and run with it.”