Our 40 in 40 series, which takes a look at each player on the 40 man roster for the Pittsburgh Pirates, continues today with a look at Max Moroff.
As a former 16th round pick, the expectations were never high for Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Max Moroff.
However, he caught some attention in Pirates’ system last season because of his power. In only 185 at-bats, Moroff hit 13 home runs or the equivalent of homering in seven-percent of his at-bats. Moroff’s previous high was eight home runs in both 2013 and 2016.
As a result, Moroff got an opportunity in the majors and spent the bulk of the second half with the big-league club. Despite never being a strong hitter in the minors, Moroff never spent more than one season with any level until 2016 and 2017 when he spent time in Pittsburgh and Triple-A Indianapolis.
Moroff will earn playing time in 2018 and likely make the Opening Day roster based on two reasons.
Switch hitter
Besides Josh Bell, Moroff is the only other switch-hitter on the Pirates roster. Along with Bell, Moroff is also only one of four infielders that bat from the left side.
Moroff’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate is more valuable than his actual production at the plate. He had a .200/.302/.325 slash line in 2018, second, third and fourth-worst on the team in those respective areas among players with at least 100 at-bats.
He never showed off the aforementioned power from the minors. Moroff only hit three home runs and whiffed far more often than he even made contact; his 30.7 strikeout-percentage was second-worst among players with at least 100 at-bats.
Despite carrying a batting average below the Mendoza Line for the bulk of 2017, Moroff still got playing time. Sometimes, it was as a pinch hitter since he could hit from both sides of the plate. However, pinch-hitting appearances didn’t represent the bulk of his at-bats.
Defense versatility
Last season, 111 of Moroff’s 120 at-bats with the Pirates came as a starter or defensive replacement. Manager Clint Hurdle also penciled Moroff in as a starter 26 times meaning that 106 of his at-bats came as a starter.
Moroff was in the lineup semi-regularly when in the majors, perhaps more than fans would have preferred…
Moreso than anything else, Moroff received playing time last season and will continue to receive playing time in 2018 because of how many decisions he can play. Moroff played second base, third base and shortstop all throughout the minors and made at least six appearances at each position with the Pirates.
The bulk of Moroff’s defensive work came at second base. He saved four runs defensively and had a 2.3 Ultimate Zone Rating in 156 innings. It’s a small sample size, but that it wasn’t negative is telling.
This versatility is crucial to Moroff making the big-league roster in 2018. Barring an improved bat, it could be the only thing continuing his professional career unless the bat improves.
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