Colin Moran: Future Power Peice or Trade Chip Next Season
When you looked at the makeup of the 2021 Pittsburgh Pirates in Spring Training, there were many more questions than answers. However, one of the few positions that didn't have a question surrounding it was first base. Colin Moran emerged as a quality first baseman last season, and after Josh Bell was traded on Christmas Eve, it was clear that it would be Moran manning the position. Moran was one of the few Pirates that had a good season in 2020, hitting .237 with a team-high 10 home runs and 23 RBI in the 60-game season. He was on pace to hit 33 home runs had it been a 162 game season, and was looking to take his game to the next level in 2021.
He picked up right where he left off in 2021, being one of the Pirate's most consistent hitters. Through May 8th, Moran was hitting .297 with four home runs and 19 RBI in 32 games played. Just as he was getting going something happened that had never happened in his Pirates career. Moran pulled his groin and had to endure his first stint on the 10-day Injured List. He would spend the next month missing action and returned to the Pirates on June 6th and played a month, hitting .239 with four RBI. However, on July 1st, Moran would take a fastball off the wrist forcing another IL stint. He came back with a bang yesterday, hitting two home runs as the Pirates fell to the Cardinals 7-6. Today, we look at Moran's Big Game, and his future with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Getting Back on Track
Since he pulled his groin in Chicago, Colin Moran hasn't been the same hitter. During his initial return in June, Moran only hit .239 and hadn't hit a home run since April 18th against the Milwaukee Brewers. Even since his second return from the IL he hadn't quite found his groove at the plate. Entering this series with St. Louis, Moran had hit just .125 (1-8) with only a double to his name. He sat out the first game against the Cardinals, and turned things around in game two of the series, going 2-3. However, his breakout game would come yesterday afternoon, as the old Colin Moran was back. Moran went 2-4 with two home runs and four RBI as the Pirates fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 7-6. The Pirates were swept for the second series in a row, but Moran came back strong and gave us a glimpse of what the Pirates have been missing.
He started the game with a three-run home run in the top of the first to get the Pirates out to a 3-1 lead and followed it in his second at-bat with a solo shot to about the same area. Moran drove in four of his team's six runs in the game and brought his average up to .285. Since he has been here, Moran has been one of the most consistent hitters in the Pirates lineup. During his first two years in 2018 and 2019, Moran had the exact same .277 average with 11 and 13 home runs respectively. Now, Moran is not a guy that I believe will hit you 30-40 home runs, but the pop in his bat is something the Pirates have been desperately missing in the middle of their lineup.
His defense was definitely shaky at best over at third base, but since he has moved to first base that has cleared up. At first base this season, Moran has a .991 fielding percentage, the best mark for him at any position throughout his career. He isn't the nimblest guy over there, but he has shown that he can make plays and deliver accurate throws. He has the power that you want from a corner infielder, and when he is fully healthy he can change the game with one swing of the bat. Over these final two months, the goal for Moran will be to stay healthy and on the field so that he can be that run producer for the Pirates. Whether or not he stays in Pittsburgh long-term or not, will be a matter of control and production.
Moran's Future in Pittsburgh
The future of the first base position for the Pirates is probably the one that has the biggest question mark down the road. Some positions you have a good idea of who will take over like catcher (Henry Davis), second base (Nick Gonzales), and shortstop (Liover Peguero). Now all of these guys might not work out, but there are other people in place who can step in. However, first base is one of those positions that doesn't have a clear answer. Mason Martin is the top first base prospect in the system and is one of the premier power bats to watch for the Pirates. However, after that, there isn't much in the way of support.
With Moran being 28-years-old, he is just hitting the prime years of his career. With three years of control left on Moran's contract, there is a question of whether or not he would be here for the next winning team. He isn't due to be a free agent until 2024, and by that time, Martin should be just about Big League ready. However, with no prospect immediately behind him, he will need someone to guide him through the early years of his Big League career. Moran is currently under control through his age 31 season, and this is an instance where an extension might be warranted. That way if Martin does take off, you can use Moran as a bench/ backup corner infield/outfield option. If he doesn't, Moran could be an option to help ease him into the full-time first base duties.
I wouldn't offer Moran an extension right now, but towards the end of his contract, I would consider it. Nothing spectacular, but if the Pirates could offer a 1-2 year extension that will cover him up until his age 33 season. At this point, once Martin overtakes first base completely, Moran can then be used as a trade chip to help bring more talent into the system. Depending on how he produces, he could bring in a few nice pieces for the farm system. Moran has meant a lot to the Pirates during his time on the team, and I feel he needs rewarded for his hard work. An extension would show the Pirates see his production and would show the fans that the Pirates are willing to spend money to help the team move forward.
The Pittsburgh Pirates (41-74) try to end their current seven-game slide when they welcome in the Milwaukee Brewers (70-46) tonight at 7:05 pm. Mitch Keller (3-9, 7.06) takes the hill for the Pirates against Brett Anderson (4-5, 3.54) for the Brewers. You can watch the game live on AT&T Sportsnet or listen on 93.7 The Fan.
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