Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: Five Players to Watch During Day Two

C/1B Malcolm Moore

Malcolm Moore is the best position player left on MLB Pipeline’s list and the second best position player currently undrafted per FanGraphs. The McClatchy High School product brings big offensive upside, but his long term defensive home is still a bit murky.

Moore is an advanced bat who generates plus power from his 6’2″, 210 frame. The lefty hitting backstop has a good feel at the plate per FanGraphs, so not only does he make loud contact, but he makes a decent bit of contact. He can get around on the inside heat and turn the other way as well.

The bat isn’t the question when it comes to Moore, though. It’s about his long-term defensive home. Moore is a backstop, but doesn’t grade out as a good one. Sure, he’s only 18 years old, but his mature frame at that age doesn’t project well behind the dish. There’s plenty of time between now and when he’s 21-22 years old, but he needs to make some decent strides with his defensive work and arm strength to remain there long term. One of the few silver linings that FanGraphs pointed out is that he’s a solid blocker.

Moore’s bat will likely be his meal ticket here. He is committed to Stanford, so there’s a possibility there are some signability questions lurking with him. Either way, he’s still one of the best position players left as we kick off day two of the draft.