Colin Moran is a professional baseball player who has played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), including the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds.
However, there has been some uncertainty regarding his current team, and fans are wondering: Is Colin Moran still with the Pirates?.
Moran’s Career With the Pirates
Colin Moran joined the Pittsburgh Pirates on January 13, 2018, in a trade that involved pitcher Gerrit Cole going to the Houston Astros.
Moran was considered a top prospect for the Astros and had made his Major League debut in 2016, but he had been stuck in a logjam at third base and first base. The Pirates saw him as a potential upgrade at third base, which had been a weak spot in their lineup.
Moran had a solid first season with the Pirates, hitting .277 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI in 144 games. He showed good plate discipline, drawing 53 walks and striking out 93 times.
He also played solid defense, committing only nine errors in 1,072 innings at third base. Moran’s highlight of the season came on July 22, 2018, when he hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning to beat the Milwaukee Brewers.
Despite his promising start, Moran’s performance dipped in his second season with the Pirates. He hit just .248 with six home runs and 35 RBI in 102 games, and his walk rate dropped while his strikeout rate increased.
He struggled to hit left-handed pitching, managing just a .194 average against southpaws. His defense at third base was also shaky, as he committed 12 errors in 788 innings.
Overall, Moran’s performance with the Pirates was relatively average. He provided solid offense and defense at times, but he also had stretches where he struggled. His numbers were somewhat skewed by his platoon splits, as he was much more effective against right-handed pitching.
The Pirates ultimately decided to move on from Moran after the 2020 season, trading him to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for minor league prospects.
Recent Developments
Colin Moran has been a subject of trade speculation in recent months, with some speculating that he could be on the move by the trade deadline. The 28-year-old third baseman has been a solid offensive contributor for the Pittsburgh Pirates in recent years, though his defensive skills have been criticized at times.
Despite the rumors, Moran remains a member of the Pirates as of now. However, that could change in the coming weeks as teams look to bolster their rosters for a playoff push. It remains to be seen what the Pirates would demand in return for Moran, but they could be looking to acquire young talent or future draft picks.
Moran signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Pirates in January, avoiding arbitration. He is eligible for arbitration again next year, meaning the team will have to decide whether to bring him back at a higher salary or let him go.
Since joining the Pirates in 2018, Moran has been a consistent contributor at the plate, with a career .271 batting average, .324 on-base percentage, and .783 OPS. He hit 10 home runs and drove in 23 runs in 52 games during the shortened 2020 season.
However, his defensive skills have been criticized at times, and he has struggled with errors in the past. It remains to be seen whether that could hurt his value on the trade market.
Overall, Colin Moran remains a key part of the Pittsburgh Pirates roster for now, but his future with the team is uncertain. If he continues to perform well at the plate and improves defensively, he could remain a valuable asset for the Pirates.
However, if the team receives a good offer for him in a trade, they could choose to move on and focus on building for the future.
Future Prospects
Possibility of Staying With the Pirates Long-term
Colin Moran was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates in January 2018 in a trade with the Houston Astros. Since then, he has been a consistent performer for the Pirates, hitting .277 with 25 home runs and 105 RBIs in 212 games.
Moran has also displayed a strong work ethic and a team-first attitude which makes him a valuable asset to the roster.
However, the Pirates’ recent struggles and changes in leadership may result in a reevaluation of their long-term plans. Moran’s contract expires after the 2023 season, and it remains to be seen whether the team will choose to sign him to an extension or explore other options.
Ultimately, their decision will depend on his performance, market value, and the overall direction of the franchise.
Potential for Improvement in His Game
Despite his consistent performance, Moran still has room for improvement in his game. He is primarily a contact hitter, but could benefit from increasing his power numbers. Additionally, his defense at third base could also improve, as he committed 22 errors in 142 games at the position in 2019.
However, Moran has shown a willingness to make adjustments and put in the work to improve his game. In an interview with The Athletic, he discussed his offseason preparations, including working on his launch angle and footwork at third base.
If he continues to make progress in these areas, he could become an even more valuable player for the Pirates.
How Moran Fits Into the Pirates’ Current Roster and Future Plans
Moran is currently the Pirates’ starting third baseman and a key part of their lineup. He provides a left-handed bat in a predominantly right-handed lineup, and his ability to consistently put the ball in play makes him a useful situational hitter.
Looking ahead, Moran’s role on the Pirates will likely depend on how the team chooses to build its future roster. With the recent trades of Starling Marte and Josh Bell, the Pirates are clearly in a rebuilding phase, and it’s possible that they may look to move Moran if they receive a favorable offer.
However, if they decide to keep him, he could be a valuable piece of the puzzle as they look to develop their young talent and rebuild the team.
Analysis of Moran’s Play
Strengths and Weaknesses as a Player
Colin Moran’s biggest strength as a player is his ability to hit for average. He has consistently hit over .270 in his career and has a career on-base percentage over .320.
Moran also possesses good plate discipline, as he walks at a decent rate and strikes out at a low rate. His power has improved in recent years, hitting 10 home runs in both 2018 and 2019.
However, Moran’s main weakness is his defense at third base. He has limited range and arm strength, which makes it difficult for him to make plays deep in the hole or make strong throws across the diamond. This has led to him being shifted to first base from time to time.
Comparison to Other Third Basemen in the League
When compared to other third basemen in the league, Moran is not considered one of the top players at his position. However, he is a solid contributor who can provide consistent offense.
Moran’s defense is not on the same level as some of the elite third basemen in the league, such as Nolan Arenado or Anthony Rendon.
Overall Contributions to the Pirates’ Line-up and Success
Moran has been a key contributor to the Pirates’ line-up over the past few years. He has been a consistent on-base threat and has added some power as well. In the 2019 season, he had a career-high 88 RBIs.
However, the Pirates have struggled in recent years and have not had much team success, which has limited the impact of Moran’s contributions.
Overall, Colin Moran is a solid major league player who can provide consistent offense, but his defense limits his overall value as a third baseman. If he continues to improve his power numbers and becomes more versatile defensively, he could become a more valuable player in the future.
What Happened to Moran From the Pittsburgh Pirates?
Non-tendering of Contract
The Pittsburgh Pirates decided to non-tender Colin Moran’s contract in December, allowing him to become a free agent.
Moran’s Performance
Moran had been a consistent performer for the Pirates, hitting .247 with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Offensive Contributions
Moran was often relied on for his offensive contributions and his ability to play multiple positions, making his departure a surprise to some Pirates fans.
Pirates Rebuild
Many speculated that the move was part of the Pirates’ ongoing rebuild, as they look to develop younger players.
Moran’s Future
Moran has yet to sign with a new team, but with his proven track record, it is likely he will find a new home for the upcoming season.
Where Did Colin Moran Go?
Colin Moran Designated for Assignment by Cincinnati
Colin Moran was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds, meaning he was removed from the team’s 40-man roster and made available to other MLB teams.
No Teams Claim Moran on Waivers
After being designated for assignment, Moran passed through waivers without any other MLB teams claiming him.
Moran Remains in Cincinnati Organization
Despite being designated for assignment, Moran will remain in the Cincinnati Reds organization. This means he will likely be sent to the Triple-A Louisville Bats, where he has spent much of the season.
Moran’s Struggles at the Plate
Moran’s batting average had dropped to just .210 with a .299 on-base percentage before he was designated for assignment. This comes after a strong start to the season, where he hit .288 in April and .289 in May.
Opportunities for Moran in the Future
Moran’s future with the Cincinnati Reds may be uncertain, but there are still opportunities for him to prove himself at the plate and earn a spot back on the team’s 40-man roster in the future. His performance in Triple-A will likely determine whether or not he can make it back to the big leagues.
What Happened to Collin Moran?
Collin Moran signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners in January 2023. He was hoping to make his way back to the majors after a disappointing 2022 season. Moran struggled with injuries and inconsistencies as a member of the Pirates.
Despite a slow start to his career, Moran has shown promise at times. However, he’ll need to prove himself with the Mariners’ minor-league affiliate first. Moran has experience playing first and third base, as well as some outfield.
He’ll likely have to compete with other young players for a spot on the big-league roster. The Mariners have emphasized a focus on player development in recent years. This philosophy could benefit Moran if he can make progress during his time in the minors.
For now, Moran will continue to work on his game in hopes of getting another opportunity at the MLB level.
To Recap
Colin Moran has previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but his current team is the Seattle Mariners. While he had a brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the year, Moran has found a new home in Seattle.
Fans of Moran can rest assured that he is still active in the MLB and continues to excel in his position as a third baseman.
