Ethan Moore is a name to watch this spring. The shortstop from Oak Park and River Forest (Ill.) High School has consistently elevated his profile over the past year with standout performances in high-pressure situations.
As a junior, Moore made a statement by going 2 for 2 with a sharply hit line drive up the middle against Ryan Sloan, a highly regarded right-handed pitching prospect and second-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in the 2024 MLB draft. The matchup drew significant attention, with numerous scouts and talent evaluators in attendance to watch Sloan. Moore’s success in that game showcased his ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition.
The experience proved invaluable during the 2024 summer showcase circuit, where Moore built on his momentum. At the Area Code Games, he stood out by hitting .357 over 16 plate appearances without a single strikeout — a testament to his disciplined approach and ability to handle premium pitching.
“My at-bats against Ryan really did help me in Area Codes,” Moore said. “That was an amazing event. It was great competition and allowed me to get my name out there. It helped me a lot with exposure. That was the biggest event I did.”
Moore’s clutch performance against Sloan and his strong summer showing have fueled significant MLB draft buzz as he enters his senior year. With his consistent ability to deliver in big moments, Moore is firmly on the radar as a top draft prospect for 2025, boasting the potential to go in the first round of July’s draft.
“I didn’t really know I was a draft prospect until this year,” Moore said. “My main focus is on developing as a player and getting closer to God. Those are the two things I focus on. For me to be in this position, I am so grateful for it.”
Moore is an impressive prospect due to his well-balanced skill set and intriguing potential. The 6-foot, 193-pound shortstop is a switch hitter known for his compact and quick swing to consistently square up the baseball to lace line drives to all parts of the field.
Moore, a natural right-handed hitter, began practicing left-handed swings in seventh grade. By his freshman year, he was consistently switch-hitting in games. He dedicates equal training time to each to maintain balance and confidence from both sides of the plate.
In addition to his impressive offensive skill set, Moore considers his mindset his greatest strength. As a freshman, he often found himself overthinking, so he turned to stoicism for guidance. One book he frequently revisits is “The Obstacle Is the Way,” which teaches individuals how to transform challenges into opportunities.
“Mentally, I have grown with how I handle any adversity towards me,” Moore said. “That’s the biggest part of me. Overall, learning from failure and the ability to keep on going is something that is a strength of mine.”
Defensively, Moore is a natural shortstop with strong instincts, a quick first step and an exceptional ability to read the ball off the bat. His athleticism and reliability make him a steady presence in the field. Additionally, his defensive versatility is a key asset, as he has experience at second and third base.
“I’m fine playing whatever position helps the team,” Moore said. “But I will try everything in my power to play shortstop long term.”
Moore has spent the offseason refining his skills in preparation for his senior season. He trains at an indoor hitting facility near his home alongside his younger brother, Ian, a freshman. He also works out at Hitters Baseball in Wisconsin, a premier development program he has trained at since his freshman year and is known for producing college and professional talent.
Moore, a Tennessee commit, has a bright future in the game, whether he jumps straight into pro ball or takes the college route.
“I just want to stay consistent throughout my senior year,” Moore said. “I never want to be too high or too low on myself. The game is hard in itself, so beating myself down is just not going to help me do well. Staying consistent offensively and defensively and having a positive mindset every time I step on the field are the biggest things I want to do.”
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for 10 years. He has interviewed 580 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
