Pittsburgh Pirates: Goals For First Base This Season

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Feb 24, 2021; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Colin Moran (19) warms up during spring training at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Next up in our series looking at three goals for each position group with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 is first base

It’s no secret that Josh Bell is gone, and although that Herculean power by Bell will be missed, I think the first base position will be just fine for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now don’t get me wrong, Colin Moran isn’t your prototypical power source he does provide some pop in his bat and can provide some offense on a Pittsburgh Pirates team that may struggle to score runs.

The Pirates also signed a savvy veteran Todd Frazier to a minor league contract in hopes of having his presence in that young locker room when the regular season begins. Although Frazier is 35, I still think he can provide some reliable defense and pop in a bench role. I must admit, it’s still weird seeing Frazier in a Pirate uniform after being on the hated Reds for so long.

Another opening day roster hopeful is Phillip Evans who we all know won the hearts of Pirate fans last season before his scary injury cutting his season short. Evans, along with Frazier, gives the Pittsburgh Pirates another quality bench role and can provide quality play. Let’s just hope Evans can stay healthy this year.

Now that we know the first basemen on the team, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of this article, shall we?

CINCINNATI, OH – MAY 29: Colin Moran #19 of the Pittsburgh Pirates plays defense at third base during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Pirates won 7-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Goal Number One – Improved Defense

Defense, Defense, Defense. Now, I know, Moran isn’t the best option for this goal, but I do think he offers better defense at first base than Josh Bell ever could. It’s no secret the Pittsburgh Pirates were one of the most horrid teams on defense, and while I don’t think this can be fixed overnight, I’d like to see something better than Bell’s -2.9 UZR and -1 DRS.

We did see with Moran at least a little bit of improvement from Bell with a -0.3 UZR, along with a DRS of 0. I know that’s not much of an improvement, but it’s something. I think Moran should’ve been a first baseman the whole time, but hey, I’m just a writer, not a manager.

Even though Todd Frazier isn’t a defensive wizard, I do believe he can provide the much needed stability this team desperately needs in the field. Last year in 130.1 innings at first base Frazier had an average 0.0 UZR along with a 0 DRS. Not great, but not bad either.

Phillip Evans is going to be Phillip Evans, he won’t wow you with unbelievable athletic ability, but he will be a solid utility man who happens to play first base. I don’t think he will kill you fielding that position, and to be honest, that’s all I’m asking for from Moran, Frazier, and Evans.

VENICE, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Todd Frazier #99 of the Pittsburgh Pirates stands at the plate during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during a spring training game at CoolToday Park on March 09, 2021 in Venice, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Goal Number Two – Power

One of the typical things you want from a corner infielder is some sort of power. Now I’m not asking for Barry Bonds numbers, I’m asking for a good amount of extra base hits and home runs. Take Moran for example. Moran had 44 hits last year, and about 45% of his hits were extra base hits with 10 doubles and 10 home runs. Now asking for 45% again is crazy, but I wouldn’t mind around 20-25% of his hits being extra base hits.

Todd Frazier historically has had a good amount of pop in his bat producing around 40-50 extra base hits per season excluding last season’s crazy season where he only had 14. Obviously, Frazier isn’t going to be the starter right away unless an injury or a trade happens, so that 40 – 50 extra base hit mark will be hard to achieve, but the elder statesman could still produce around 10-12 home runs and around the same in doubles.

Phillip Evans, in this role, is your icing on top of the cake. We will see him in many roles, but at the plate, we know he has the ability to hit and hit well. For the Cubs Triple-A team in 2019, he hit for a combined 47 extra base hits (30 doubles 17 home runs.) Before his injury in 2020, Evans surprised a lot of people, and I would assume the 26-year-old is looking to do the same in 2021. Honestly, who wouldn’t root for a guy like this!?

Mar 12, 2020; Bradenton, Florida, USA; A general view of LECOM Park during the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Toronto Blue Jays . Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Goal Number Three – Minor League Development

Now there is one name that I haven’t mentioned yet, and in my own fashion, I find it important to mention a prospect by the name of Mason Martin. My goal for the Pittsburgh Pirates here is to start grooming Martin to be the first baseman of the future because this kid has all the tools to be a big-time player in the future.

There’s something to say when Martin, who hasn’t even been to the A=Double-A level yet getting an invite to the big league, came and actually get playing time. To me, this an indication of his talent and what the Pirates think he can be in the near future. 2020 should have been a telling sign as well with getting the taxi squad invite.

Like every player in the league, Martin does have weaknesses, and if last year is any indication, he has improved on that one glaring weakness in his game. The weakness I’m talking about is his K% which at two levels were at 32.3% and 29.0%. After my discussions with him discussing the taxi squad, he mentioned how the main thing he was working on was “dominating his zone,” which means don’t swing at everything basically.

Next. Pirates Should Go Defense Heavy In 2021. dark

Never mind the negative stuff, let’s look at some eye popping numbers like his combined 35 home runs and 129 RBIs. His wOBA was .393 and .413 at two different levels, along with a 164 and 155 wRC+. To put it in the most simple terms possible, Martin can be a problem for opposing pitchers if he is groomed properly by Ben Cherington and company.

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Next up in our series looking at three goals for each position group with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 is first base

Goal Number One – Improved Defense

Goal Number Two – Power

Goal Number Three – Minor League Development

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