UNC Baseball: Colin Moran designated for assignment by Pirates

The former UNC baseball standout will likely be looking for a new home after being designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In the span of just a couple of hours, the Pittsburgh Pirates made two roster moves that have a direct correlation to the UNC baseball program.

First, the Pirates agreed to a trade that will send catcher Jacob Stallings to the Miami Marlins. Just a short while after, the team announced that they have designated Colin Moran for assignment.

The move was needed, as the Pirates had to open up a 40-man roster space for Yoshi Tsutsugo, who agreed to a 1-year deal earlier in the afternoon. With the organization viewing Tsutsugo as primarily a first baseman, Moran became expendable.

Moran was originally acquired by the Pirates in the trade in which sent Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros. The former Tar Heel was the final piece remaining with the organization, and while there is a possibility he could return, it seems likely that Moran will end up elsewhere this offseason.

Essentially, this move served as an early non-tender to the 29-year-old corner infielder. Although his release is the most likely outcome, there is a possibility that a club could swing a trade for the veteran prior to tomorrow’s non-tender deadline.

The former Tar Heel should generate some interest on the open market. Although he’s been a first baseman primarily over the last two seasons, Moran broke into the league as a third baseman, and could offer teams a left-handed corner infield presence to mix-and-match with.

Over his career, Moran has posted a slash line of .267/.329/.418 through 460 games played. Other than his 16 games played over two seasons with the Astros, the remainder of his big league experience has come in Pittsburgh.

There is a lot of wheeling and dealing going around the baseball world at the moment, as the sport and its big players are focused on making moves prior to Wednesday night’s impending lockout. Similar to Stallings, another former Tar Heel will be on the move, but Moran’s situation is a bit different given that we’ll have to wait and see where he ends up this offseason.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Colin Moran and the rest of the UNC baseball program.