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Pittsburgh Pirates: Colin Moran finally getting his chance

By David Hill

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 18: Colin Moran of the Houston Astros takes infield before batting practice at Minute Maid Park on July 18, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Moran was brought up from Triple A Fresno to take the roster spot of Carlos Correa who was put on the disabled list with a torn ligament in his left thumb and expected to be out six to eight weeks. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 18: Colin Moran of the Houston Astros takes infield before batting practice at Minute Maid Park on July 18, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Moran was brought up from Triple A Fresno to take the roster spot of Carlos Correa who was put on the disabled list with a torn ligament in his left thumb and expected to be out six to eight weeks. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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After not getting a real chance at the major league level, the Pittsburgh Pirates are giving Colin Moran his best chance to establish himself.

It is easy to look at the Pittsburgh Pirates trade of Gerrit Cole and pronounce the Houston Astros as the winners. In exchange for the Pirates ace, they gave up an interesting bullpen piece in Michael Feliz, possible future reliever Joe Mosgrove, minor league outfielder Jason Martin, and third baseman Colin Moran. One could understand how the return for Cole is considered underwhelming.

However, the trade may work out in the future for the Pirates. The key to the deal may end up being Moran, who could finally get his chance. The former sixth overall pick of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft, he was a consensus top 100 prospect heading into the following season. Just over a year after being drafted by the Marlins, he had been sent to Houston in the trade for Jarred Cosart, as Miami thought they had acquired a future ace.

While Moran never became the hitter that one had expected, he has still produced solid numbers throughout his time in the minors. Overall, he has a solid .290/.353/.430 batting line in his five minor league seasons, hitting 48 homers and 64 doubles. He even had a bit of a power surge in 2017, hitting a career best 18 homers.

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That production in the minors has not led to an extended look in the majors. Over the past two seasons, Moran has a .206/.270/.382 batting line in 37 plate appearances, with three extra base hits. Of course, with Alex Bregman entrenched at third, Moran was not going to have a great deal of opportunity to establish himself with Houston.

In heading to the Pirates, Moran could finally get his chance. Josh Harrison has been the subject of trade rumors, and it may not be a shock to see David Freese put on the block as well. Should both players be moved, Moran would seemingly have the inside track to a starting nod.

He may not be the prototypical third baseman, in that Moran is not likely to be a dominant power hitter. During his prime, he may get into the upper 20s for homers, but would never be a Kris Bryant or Josh Donaldson type. However, Moran has displayed a solid batting eye in the minors, with 175 walks and 365 strikeouts in 1968 plate appearances. If he can become a player like Justin Turner, he would certainly prove to be a valuable addition.

Next: More teams should ask about Freese

The Pittsburgh Pirates could finally give Colin Moran his chance. If so, they may have a pretty solid player manning third for the next few years.

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