Mike Moustakas, known to fans as "Moose," began his Major League Baseball career with the Kansas City Royals. Drafted second overall in the 2007 MLB Draft, Moustakas quickly became a player to watch. He made his MLB debut on June 10, 2011, against the Los Angeles Angels, marking the start of a career that would see him become a fixture in the Royals' lineup.
Moustakas played primarily as a third baseman, known for his power-hitting ability. In 2012, he hit 20 home runs, demonstrating his potential as a slugger. However, it was in 2015 that Moustakas truly came into his own. That year, he was selected for the All-Star Game, a testament to his growing reputation in the league. The 2015 season was a memorable one for the Royals, as they went on to win the World Series, defeating the New York Mets. Moustakas played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing both offensively and defensively throughout the postseason.
In 2017, Moustakas set a Royals franchise record by hitting 38 home runs in a single season, surpassing the previous record held by Steve Balboni since 1985. This achievement earned him the American League Comeback Player of the Year award, highlighting his ability to rebound after an injury-plagued 2016 season.
Following his tenure with the Royals, Moustakas was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in July 2018. With the Brewers, he continued to be a reliable power hitter, helping the team reach the National League Championship Series that year. Moustakas re-signed with the Brewers for the 2019 season, during which he was again selected as an All-Star.
In December 2019, Moustakas signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds. His time with the Reds was marked by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Despite these challenges, Moustakas remained a valuable player for the Reds, providing veteran leadership and experience to the team.
Throughout his career, Moustakas was known for his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in the postseason.
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