"Happy to be in this Red and White": Angels’ 1st-round MLB Draft pick celebrates joining AL West Club

Christian Moore is the newest member of the Los Angeles Angels organization. Despite the team going through some rough and uncertain seasons, the new draft selection has made it clear that he is content with a future on the ballclub.

On Sunday evening, the Angels selected infielder Christian Moore from the University of Tennessee. Selected with their eighth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Moore was the highest Angels draft pick since Troy Glaus, a third baseman who was drafted back in 1997.

After his selection, Moore sat down for an interview with MLB Network. Just 21, Moore claimed in the interview that he was "definitely happy to be in this red and white."

""I'm definitely happy to be in this red and white." 8th pick Christian Moore is ready to #RepTheHalo. #MLBDraft | @Angels | @Moore10Chris" - MLB Network Radio on Xirius XM

The comments from the newly-minted draft pick come against the backdrop of a troubled time for the Angels. Now 41-55, the team stands ten games behind the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. Moreover, despite laying claim to some of MLB's top players in recent years, the club has not reached the postseason since 2014.

"Newest Angel Christian Moore hit for the cycle in the College World Series" - Jake

Regardless, Christian Moore is still excited to make his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Moore attended Suffield Academy in Connecticut before committing to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. A second baseman, outfielder and shortstop, Moore hit .375/.451/.797 with 34 home runs and 74 RBIs in 72 games playing for Tennessee last season.

Young star Christian Moore has high hopes for tenure with Angels

Despite boasting superlative players like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the Angels remain on a ten-year playoff drought. After his selection, Christian Moore gave another interview with MLB Network in which he made his intentions clear, saying:

"I'll get a ring for sure, it's in my blood."

Moore, a longtime player whose brother was also drafted back in 2014, is a competitor and exactly the kind of influence that Angels GM Perry Minasian wants to bring to town. Already, a high proportion of Angels fans are looking forward to a chance to get to see the 21-year-old in action, giving their club a chance to win.