Pittsburgh Pirates: Colin Moran Stays in the National League Central

(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Pittsburgh Pirates non-tendered a couple of different veterans before the lockout.  Now, one of those players will be signing to stay in the NL Central.

Many Pittsburgh Pirates fans were a little caught off guard when the team decided to non-tender Colin Moran.  Earlier this offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates chose to not tender Colin Moran a contract.  This allowed him to elect free agency.  It was pretty clear that Ben Cherington was ready to move on from veteran players like Moran as he also let go of Chad Kuhl and Steven Brault.

Moran looked like he was starting to find his power stroke in 2020. He hit 10 home runs in only 200 plate appearances while posting career bests in hard-hit rate and exit velocity. Moran’s 113 wRC+ was 20% better than his 2019 mark. But he wasn’t able to replicate that power in 2021.

Moran’s .258/.334/.390 line was slightly below average. He saw his wOBA fall to .318 and his wRC+ plummet to just 98. The power he displayed in 2020 seemed to dissipate. He matched his 2020 home run total, but in 159 more plate appearances, and saw his ISO drop to .132. It’s very likely his performance was hindered by a wrist injury caused by a HBP.

Up until May 8th, Moran had a 124 wRC+ and .171 ISO. Sure that was a decrease in power from 2020, but overall solid numbers. From that point forward, Moran registered a .111 ISO and 87 wRC+.

Moran is the last one to sign out of the three former Pirates.  Chad Kuhl signed a deal with the Colorado Rockies and Steven Brault joined the Chicago Cubs.  Now, Colin Moran is set to join the Cincinnati Reds.  According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, the Reds are signing Moran to a Major League contract:

This move makes sense for the Reds.  Right now they are in the process of tearing it down.  They will need experience veterans who are looking for opportunities to “bounce back”.  Moran is a candidate for this and should fit well in that wiffleball park of a stadium in Cincinnati.

Next. Pirates have the Top 2nd Base Prospect. dark

Moran could fill in a few different the Reds now have open.  However, the fact they announced him as a 3b/1b suggests he will get a chance to take over the hot corner for recently traded Eugenio Suarez. The Reds traded Suarez as they look to cut as much payroll as possible.  Moran is a cheap lefty with some pop who could be a trade chip for them down the line.  See you soon Red Beard.