4:48pm: It’s not entirely clear whether it’s related to the possible Moreland chatter, but the Rangers are interested in young Bucs backstop Elias Diaz, Sullivan reports (Twitter links). But Pittsburgh is “not motivated” to part with the 25-year-old.
12:35pm: The Rangers and Pirates will meet in Nashville to discuss a possible trade that would send first baseman Mitch Moreland to Pittsburgh, reports Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Twitter link). MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan reported earlier this morning that a Moreland trade was unlikely, but it such a deal occurred, the Rangers would need to get a starting pitcher in return (Twitter link).
The 30-year-old Moreland had one of his best seasons in 2015, batting .278/.330/.482 and tying his previous career-high of 23 home runs. Minor elbow surgery early in the season (removal of bone spurs) limited Moreland to just 132 games and 515 plate appearances, but he showed no ill effects at the plate after returning from the disabled list in mid-May.
Moreland has long struggled against left-handed pitching, and while he was a bit better in 2015 (.681 OPS), a platoon partner is probably required to maximize his efficiency. The Pirates seemingly have such a player in house in the form of Mike Morse.
Moreland is projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $5.6MM next season in what will be his final year of club control before reaching free agency. That makes him somewhat of a short-term solution at first base for Pittsburgh, though the club may not need much more than that. Top prospect Josh Bell, whom Pittsburgh hopes can be the first baseman of the future, batted .317/.393/.446 last season between Double-A and Triple-A. He only logged 32 games at Triple-A, and the Pirates have a history of waiting until June to promote their top prospects anyhow, but it’s certainly conceivable that he could be ready to handle first base for the Buccos sometime next season, and certainly by 2017.
That will be a good trade so we can resign mike Napoli
Exactly what I thought. Making room for Napoli
One of the Pirates catchers makes more sense than a pitcher in return doesn’t it?
Yeh because nobody in the back end of the Pirates rotation is even appealing. I would think a catcher makes more sense from both sides.
Maybe for Diaz or Cervelli?
It would take more than Mitch Moreland to get either of those two. Cervelli was worth more than Moreland last year by himself. I would guess the Pirates hold Diaz in a high regard since Cervelli is a FA after this year.
Yeah no way Pirates give up a good catcher like Cervelli for Moreland
There are talks of extending Cervelli, so a trade involving him would be doubtful
I’d guess Tony Sanchez would be the most likely
Not sure who the pirates would give up to get him, certainly not a Walker or Melancon with out decent prospect or two being included with Mitch.
Comparing Careers of Mitch and Mike… Mike as a better AVG, OBP,SLG, etc.. about the same HR/162 avg who doesn’t require a platoon partner and is a better fielder and more versatile on top of that the Dodgers are paying him a good portion of his salary. Both on their final year of control.
Unless the Pirates know something is wrong with Morse or plan on using him else where… stick with Mike… well unless you can get Mitch for a box of rocks then grab him for depth in case Mike gets suspended again.
All of these reports that are talking about a Mitch Moreland deal to Pittsburgh don’t address what would get in return. A catching prospect? A young pitcher? An outfielder? Give us some more.
Rangers do not trade Moreland he’s a great first baseman and DH. But if Texas wants to sign Mike Napoli, then I do not know. they are both good players , so it is tough to decide for one.
Please…trade Morton for Moreland. He never deserved the contract he received.
They should trade Moreland and then resign mike Napoli
At least one Pittsburgh media source is speculating that it could be Charlie Morton sent to the Rangers for Moreland (I saw it earlier today, can’t find it now). That could potentially help both teams, as Morton is an extreme ground ball pitcher, and Bucs really could use Moreland.
Morton sucks. Would rather just keep Moreland and let Chi Chi and Martinez compete for the 5th spot in the rotation.
The only reason that would make sense is to save ~4 million (salary difference if you assume Morton’s buy out). The Pirates have at least two other starters ready to sign and the MLB announces Morse has been banned for betting on baseball.
Still don’t understand the fascination with Kazmir. Have plenty of pieces internally to trade for a much safer SP. Just had arm issues in July of last year.
Should be doing whatever we can to get Smyly or break the bank for Chen. Younger lefties that throw harder.
No way the Pirates will part with Diaz. Cervelli likely won’t be resigned after this season & Diaz is almost MLB ready. The Rangers would have to sweeten the pot to get Diaz.
It’s gotta be a deal involving Melacon. I’d bet money on it.
It’s going to take a lot more than Diaz and I mean a lot more than Moreland on the Rangers side. And Banny knows that.
He’s like your #14 prospect. What exactly are you expecting him to fetch?
Moreland for Elias Diaz and Caminero maybe?
Moreland for Diaz AND Caminero? I can’t even begin to tell you how fast NH hangs up
It’s a hard trade to think about, trying to figure out what Moreland is worth and what Texas wants if the pirates have what Texas does want
Charles Stevens: Diaz is slated to be the starter next season after Cervelli more than likely leaves for FA. He’s also been voted the best defensive catching prospect in the Bigs. hes also our 10th best prospect. but he’s our tenth in a solid group of prospects. He’s going to command a lot more than 1 year of Mitch Moreland
I think the better question on what it would take to get morland is if the pirates should even want Morland. IMO they shouldn’t and certainly not at 5+million arb. estimate. If they can work it out so hes much less than that then maybe
The Pirates will be able to keep their prospects by just signing Napoli. The Rangers realistically will need to either trade Moreland, or allow Napoli to move on. Having the triumvirate of these two, plus Fielder, takes too many options from Banister. Moreland, who will qualify for free agency next season, represents a one year rental for Pittsburgh. That is not the way GM Huntington conducts business with his prospects. If a trade is made, I would expect possibly lower tiered prospect(s) to be dealt, or possibly a pitcher like Morton, or Locke.
No way they are trading Diaz…he is next catcher after they loose Cervelli to free agency. He has a cannon and great defense. I agree with the comment above regarding Melancon being the piece.